5 arrested as Mounties seize fentanyl, cocaine and 3 pickup trucks
RCMP in Clarenville show the findings following five executed search warrants around the region. The investigation, called Operation Barcode, has resulted in five arrests. (Heather Gillis/CBC)
Five people in eastern Labrador have been arrested in a large drug bust that involved the seizure of weapons, more than 15,000 prescription pills, liquor, pickup trucks and two trailers full of cigarettes.
The 11-month investigation, called RCMP called Operation Barcode, covered what investigators described as "a local organized crime network" across the Clarenville area.
Five search warrants were executed on Friday in Bunyan's Cove, Bloomfield, Terra Nova and Charlottetown.
Members of the RCMP in Clarenville showed their findings to reporters Thursday, which included:
More than 15,000 pills, including fentantyl, oxycodone and hydromorphone.
More than 1,600 grams of cocaine — which police said is 98 per cent pure, 400 grams of hashish and almost 750 grams of illegal cannabis.
More than $450,000 in cash.
12 firearms with ammunition. Police say the guns weren't stored correctly, and that one was loaded.
More than 3.5 million contraband cigarettes.
Three pickup trucks with two 20-foot utility trailers.
The five suspects were taken into custody and will face charges, police said.
Operation Barcode involved RCMP from across Newfoundland, as well as several partner agencies.
Police also highlighted the work of police dog Marlow, which they said recovered some seized items that police wouldn't have otherwise found.
Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Click here to visit our landing page.
