Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Three men have been arrested in connection with an ongoing drug trafficking investigation in Eel River Crossing, N.B.
In October 2023, members of the RCMP Provincial Crime Reduction Unit (PCRU) began in investigation into the trafficking of illegal drugs in the Northeast region of New Brunswick.
On November 9, PCRU members, with assistance from a number of RCMP specialized policing services, executed a search warrant at a residence on Rue de l’Anse, in Eel River Crossing. A 44-year-old man and a 45-year-old man were arrested at the scene. Simultaneously to the first warrant, police executed a second search warrant at another residence on Rue de l’Anse, where a 71-year-old man was also arrested.
As a result of both searches, police seized significant quantities of what is believed to be fentanyl pills (Shady 8’s), fentanyl powder, methamphetamine pills, cocaine, percocet pills, a loaded firearm, money, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
The 71-year-old man was later released, and is scheduled to appear in court on May 6, 2024.
On November 10, Kevin Donald Lavalle and Kevin Legere appeared in Campbellton Provincial Court by way of tele-remand, and were jointly charged with:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking benzimidazole
Both men were remanded into custody.
On November 14, Kevin Donald Lavalle and Kevin Legere appeared in Campbellton Provincial Court, where their bail hearings were set for November 22.
The Provincial Crime Reduction Unit includes police officers from the New Brunswick RCMP. Its efforts focus on disrupting and dismantling the trafficking of illegal drugs in our province, targeting those causing the most harm in our communities. Members of the New Brunswick RCMP Emergency Response Team, Police Dog Services, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems pilots, Northeast District Community Crime Reduction unit, Northeast District General Duty members, and members from the New Brunswick Integrated Enforcement Unit from Bathurst and Miramichi also assisted with the searches.
The public plays an important role in helping to reduce, prevent and solve crime, including the trafficking of illegal drugs. Anyone with information about, or who suspects, illegal drug activity in their neighbourhood is asked to contact their local police. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.