Martin’s River, Nova Scotia.
On May 10 at 8 p.m., members of Lunenburg District RCMP searched a property located on Wilbur Hill Rd. Two people in a home on the property were arrested without incident for drug offences.
Police secured the 22 acre property and searched it over a three day period utilizing members from the RCMP Tactical Troop and Police Dog Services. Due to the large search area, RCMP ATVs and a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (commonly referred to as a drone) were used. Additionally, investigators brought in an excavator to search for evidence that may have been buried on the property.
As a result of the search, officers dismantled and seized two sophisticated marijuana grow operations, 60 mature marijuana plants, a combination of processed and unprocessed marijuana totalling approximately 110 pounds, a small amount of hash oil, ‘shatter’, and methamphetamine pills. Police also seized a large amount of cash and other paraphernalia related to the trafficking of illegal drugs.
“Drug operations of this scale pose a risk to public safety in a number of ways.” says S/Sgt. Stephen MacQueen, District Commander for Lunenburg District RCMP. “With operations like this, we often see an increase in other criminal or violent acts.”
Assisting Lunenburg District RCMP with this investigation was the RCMP’s Proceeds of Crime Section, Shelburne Street Crime Enforcement Unit, Halifax District RCMP and Bridgewater Police Service.
Johnathan Christopher Hatt (45) and Mary Retieffe-Hatt (46), both of Martin’s River, have been charged with:
– Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Marijuana
– Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Marijuana Resin (Oil)
– Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking THC (shatter)
– Possession of Methamphetamine
Johnathan Hatt was remanded into custody and appeared in Bridgewater Provincial Court today. He was released on conditions. Mary Retieffe-Hatt was released later in the day on May 10. Additional charges are expected. Both are scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on July 26 at 9:30 a.m.
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Source: Media Release
