A Saint John Police Force car. Image: Brad Perry

Ten people have been arrested in an ongoing undercover investigation targeting street-level drug traffickers in greater Saint John.

During the investigation, dubbed Operation Sandstorm, undercover officers purchased and seized cocaine, crack cocaine, crystal meth, and fentanyl.

Officers began arresting suspects identified as part of the four-month operation on Wednesday,

“The spread of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids have had devastating effects across much of North America,” said a statement from the Saint John Police Force on Thursday.

“Operation Sandstorm aims to deter drug trafficking and reduce the availability of illicit drugs, therefore, enhancing the quality of life in the greater Saint John area.”

Police noted that officers have responded to more than 100 overdose-related calls in Saint John so far this year.

The 10 people arrested this week face more than 30 drug-related criminal charges, according to police.

More information will be released once Operation Sandstorm has concluded, they said.

Arrests in Undercover Drug Operation
Operation Sandstormhttps://t.co/PmU7d013mb pic.twitter.com/fpQ5I3rdrg

— Saint John Police (@saintjohnpolice) August 11, 2022