RCMP have arrested five people and seized significant quantities of weapons and drugs in what may be the largest seizure of fentanyl in the province’s history.

“We believe these arrests and seizures have dismantled a drug production site in the province,” says Staff Sergeant Jeff Johnston with the New Brunswick RCMP Provincial Crime Reduction Unit (PCRU).

“This is a significant step toward preventing harmful drugs from reaching the hands of vulnerable New Brunswickers.”

In September, the PCRU began investigating the trafficking of illegal drugs in Haut-Aboujagane and the southeast part of the province.

On October 28, police arrested a 32-year-old man outside of a home on Aboujagane Road in connection with the investigation.

Police later executed three search warrants at locations in the Haut-Aboujagane and Grand Barachois areas.

Police seized what is thought to be nearly five kilograms of fentanyl, significant quantities of what is believed to be cocaine, shady 8 pills (known to contain fentanyl), crystal meth, meth pills and hydromorphone (Dilaudid) pills as well as drug production equipment and drug trafficking paraphernalia.

Police also seized four non-restricted firearms, three prohibited firearms, two restricted firearms, a crossbow, various ammunition and magazines along with a number of vehicles and several stolen items including a generator.

Police seize drugs, weapons, vehicles; five individuals arrested, https://t.co/XFdJBeT7Bf #HautAboujagane pic.twitter.com/DzDFkyEhcW

— RCMP New Brunswick (@RCMPNB) November 1, 2022

Five individuals were arrested in connection with the investigation, including a 32-year-old man, a 34-year-old man, a 25-year-old woman and a second 32-year-old man from Haut-Aboujagane and a 55-year-old man from Grand Barachois.

Four of the five individuals were released on conditions and are set to appear in court on January 6.

On November 1, Gilles Vienneau-Gallant appeared in Moncton Provincial Court and was charged with:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking hydromorphone
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking crystal methamphetamine
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine
• Possession of a firearm without a licence
• Unauthorized possession of a restricted firearm
• Production of a Schedule 1 drug

He was remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on November 4 at 1:30 p.m. for a bail hearing.

Anyone who suspects illegal drug activity in their neighbourhood is asked to contact 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.