Nova Scotia RCMP and Halifax Regional Police have arrested eight people and seized significant quantities of drugs, cash and a firearm following a lengthy investigation.

On July 29 and 30, police searched residences in Lantz, Halifax, Lower Sackville and Dartmouth,seizing approximately 7 kg of cocaine (including crack cocaine), just over 28 kg of a cocaine cutting agent, steroids, $15,000 cash, an assault rifle and ammunition, a hand grenade and six vehicles. Eight people were arrested.

Six of the eight arrested were held in custody over the weekend. Two were released shortly after their arrest. Police have laid charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act against the following individuals:

·         Christopher Andrew Purcell, 21, of Lower Sackville, charged with Trafficking a Controlled Substance (cocaine) and several firearms offences

·         Riley John Edward Walker, 20, of Bedford, charged with Trafficking a Controlled Substance (cocaine) and several firearms offences

·         Constance Trask, 49, of Lantz, charged with Trafficking a Controlled Substance (cocaine) and several firearms offences

·         Keleana Trask, 23, of Lantz, charged with Trafficking a Controlled Substance (cocaine) and several firearms offences

·         Kyle Jeffrey McAvoy, 30, of Dartmouth, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine)

·         Melissa Anne Meisner, 21, of Dartmouth, charged with Trafficking a Controlled Substance (cocaine)

·         Samuel Morgan Hersey, 29, of Dartmouth, charged with two counts of Trafficking a Controlled Substance (cocaine)

·         Duane Patrick Snooks, 27, of Dartmouth, charged with two counts of Trafficking a Controlled Substance (cocaine)

All matters have been heard in Dartmouth Provincial Court. The investigation is ongoing.

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Source: Media Release