About one kilogram of fentanyl was seized during two linked RCMP drug trafficking investigations in Moncton that led to the arrests of four women and prison sentences for two of them.
The RCMP said investigators began two separate drug trafficking investigations on April 14 in Moncton and later determined the individuals involved were connected.
Officers searched a home on Main Street on May 7.
Police said they seized about 550 grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine, illegal cigarettes, drug‑trafficking paraphernalia and cash. A 58‑year‑old woman was arrested at the scene.
Mounties then searched a home on Leopold F. Belliveau Drive the next day.
Police said they seized drug paraphernalia and cash, and arrested a 28‑year‑old woman, a 24‑year‑old woman and a 39‑year‑old woman.
Approximately 527 grams of fentanyl were seized during searches conducted in connection with the arrests.
Police said the 24‑year‑old woman and 39‑year‑old woman were later released from custody.
According to the RCMP, 58‑year‑old Catherine Joy Cook and 28‑year‑old Jessie‑Lynn Fillmore were charged on May 8 with possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl.
Both women later pleaded guilty to the charges.
Cook was sentenced on June 10 to seven years, 10 months and seven days in prison, minus time served.
Fillmore was sentenced on July 28 to eight years in prison.
Police said both women received a 10‑year weapons prohibition order and were ordered to provide a DNA sample.
“Fentanyl continues to have devastating impacts on individuals, families and communities across the province,” Staff Sergeant Joel Arsenault of the Codiac Regional RCMP said.
He added that the seizures and sentences show the seriousness of the offences and the detachment’s commitment to targeting those responsible for trafficking dangerous substances.
Police said anyone with information about illegal activity in their neighbourhood can contact their local police or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑TIPS (8477).
