Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
A 43-year-old man from Moncton, N.B., is facing additional charges in connection with an ongoing drug trafficking investigation in the community.
In January 2023, the Codiac Regional RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) began an investigation into the trafficking of illegal drugs in the Moncton area.
On June 21, 2023, at approximately 4 p.m., members of the Codiac CRU executed a search warrant at a residence on Seaman Street in Moncton. During the search, police seized quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, Benzodiazepine, hydromorphone, drug trafficking paraphernalia and money.
On June 27, Kostadinos Venardos appeared in Moncton Provincial Court and was charged with:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking hydromorphone
On August 15, Kostadinos Vernardos returned to court, and plead guilty to all three charges. He was released on conditions and was scheduled to return to court on December 5 for sentencing.
On October 10, police arrested Kostadinos Vernardos for breaching the conditions of his release. During a search subsequent to the arrest, police seized quantities of what is believed to be cocaine and methamphetamine, along with drug trafficking paraphernalia.
On October 11, he appeared in Moncton Provincial Court to face additional charges, including:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine
- Failure to comply with a release order
He was remanded into custody, and is scheduled to return to court on October 26 for a bail hearing.
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.
The investigation is ongoing.