Overview of Project Bourbon

In a monumental operation, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have unveiled what is being hailed as the largest seizure of cocaine and contraband tobacco in Newfoundland and Labrador’s history. With a staggering total value nearing $5 million, the details of this case are shocking.

Details of the Operation

Dubbed "Project Bourbon," the operation was initiated in February 2023, targeting organized crime groups transporting cocaine from British Columbia and smuggling contraband tobacco from Ontario into the province. The results speak volumes about the scale of illicit activities faced by law enforcement.

Arrests and Locations

On September 19, authorities arrested a suspect in the parking lot of a local business in the Goulds area. This was just the beginning; subsequent searches at three residences on Cape Pine Street, Thomas Street, and Critch’s Path uncovered more connections to this extensive trafficking network.

Intensified Investigations

The investigation intensified on October 9 when police executed searches at two key locations in St. John's: a garage and a trailer at a home on Calver Avenue, alongside a tractor-trailer at a business on Torbay Road. Just a day later, on October 10, another significant search took place at a warehouse on Topsail Road in Mount Pearl.

Impressive Seizures

What law enforcement seized is nothing short of alarming: 20.5 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $1.6 million, alongside 950 cases of contraband tobacco, which included a whopping 9.5 million cigarettes valued at $2.6 million. Police also confiscated over $147,000 in cash.

Luxury Items and Further Narcotics

The bust didn't stop there. Investigators seized a luxury Rolex Cosmograph Daytona watch valued at approximately $42,700, alongside a staggering haul of roughly 10,000 methamphetamine pills, colloquially known as "ICE," with some 2,000 pills containing a dangerous blend of methamphetamine and MDMA. Additionally, a plethora of narcotics items including illicit cannabis, hashish, cannabis oil, and even two shotguns were recovered.

Vehicles Confiscated

In a significant hit to the crime ring's mobility, various vehicles were also confiscated. This impressive lineup includes a 2021 BMW X4 SUV, a 2020 GMC Sierra truck, two Chevrolet Silverados (vintage 2014 and 2023), a 12-foot enclosed trailer, a Toyota forklift, and a 1996 Freightliner transport truck, as well as a 2022 Ford F150 reported stolen from Ontario.

Continued Investigations

As the investigation continues, eight individuals have been apprehended so far. Authorities indicate that formal charges will likely be filed early in the new year, hinting at a larger wave of arrests as they pursue additional leads.

Significance of the Bust

This unprecedented seizure underscores the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime in Canada, shining a light on the collaborative efforts of local and provincial law enforcement in maintaining the safety and well-being of the community. Stay tuned for updates as more shocking revelations about this case come to light!