Thirteen people face charges following the conclusion of an undercover operation which targeted drug trafficking in the downtown bar scene over the last five months.
Early in 2015, Halifax Regional Police responded to several occurrences where patrons in the downtown bar scene were believed to have had adverse reactions to MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine), commonly referred to as ‘molly’. Molly can be MDMA on its own or MDMA mixed with other toxic substances. In response, HRP issued a public warning and investigators in the Drug Unit of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division subsequently launched an operation in May 2015 to target people believed to be trafficking illicit drugs in local night clubs, including bar staff and patrons.
“The goal of the operation was two-fold – to suppress the sale of controlled substances in bars in the downtown core and, to protect the public. Investigators, with the assistance of members of the RCMP Federal Serious & Organized Crime Unit, accomplished both goals during the course of the operation, putting the people responsible before the courts, seizing illicit drugs and enhancing the safety of our downtown bar scene,” said Staff Sergeant Darrell Gaudet, officer-in-charge of the Drug Unit.
As a result of the operation, investigators executed three search warrants at three separate residences: one in the 1200 block of Queen Street on May 20; another in the 100 block of Braemar Drive in Dartmouth on May 21; and a final search in the 1600 block of Barrington Street on September 23. The searches resulted in the seizure of quantities of cocaine, MDMA, marijuana, psilocybin, cash and, drug paraphernalia. 13 people are being charged for a total of 30 offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, including charges of trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking and, possession of illicit substances.
“Our downtown is very vibrant and we pride ourselves on working hard to ensure it’s safe for everyone to enjoy. That’s why we launched an operation to address the trafficking of illicit drugs in the downtown bar scene as such activity can cause serious adverse reactions, including death. If anyone witnesses illicit drug activity in the downtown bar scene or elsewhere, they are asked to contact police at 902-490-5016 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-TIPS (8477),” said S/Sgt. Gaudet.
*At the time of this operation, three of the 13 people charged were employees in downtown establishments where it’s alleged they were trafficking. While police don’t typically release someone’s profession, we do so when their line of work is directly connected to the charges they face.
Source: Release