In connection with an investigation into drug trafficking in New Brunswick and Ontario, four people have been charged.
The Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit (FSOC) of the New Brunswick RCMP began an investigation into the trafficking of illegal drugs in the province and in Ontario in the spring of 2021. The police seized approximately 18 kilograms of cocaine, 3.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, and $454,000 in cash during the investigation.
The following individuals were charged in connection with the investigation between January and March 2023:
29-year-old Kaywan Mezbani:
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
- Conspiracy to traffic cocaine
- Commission of an offence for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization
- Instructing a person to commit an offence for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000
41-year-old Mehran Ahmadbeigi and 48-year-old Dennis Burbridge were both charged with:
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
- Conspiracy to traffic cocaine
- Commission of an offence for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization
26-year-old Raeshaun Miller:
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
- Conspiracy to traffic cocaine
- Commission of an offence for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal organization
- Possession of proceeds of crime over $5000
- Trafficking in a controlled substance
This investigation was the result of an operation led by the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit and supported by the following agencies:
- The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
- The Saint John Police Force
- The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC)
- The Forensic Accounting Management Group (FAMG)
- Canada Post Corporation
- The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Securing Canada’s borders, investigating national security-related crimes, serious and organized crime, financial crime, high-level drug enforcement, ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure, and enforcing federal laws within Canada are all responsibilities of the Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit.
The public contributes significantly to the reduction, prevention, and resolution of criminal activity, including drug trafficking. Anybody with data about, or who suspects, unlawful medication movement in their area is approached to contact their nearby police. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), the safe P3 Mobile App can be downloaded, and Secure Web Tips can be found at www.crimenb.ca.
