News release

Public Safety Investigation Section Plays Key Role in Drug Bust

Justice

Four Cape Breton properties with drug connections were targeted today, Aug. 14 under the province's Safer Communities and Neighborhoods Act.

The Department of Justice's Public Safety Investigation Section worked with a joint Halifax-Sydney police investigation into street-level drug trafficking in downtown Glace Bay.

More than 100 charges were laid against 21 people after the raid.

Attorney General and Justice Minister Cecil Clarke congratulated the police agencies involved and said the partnership is an excellent example of how agencies and the department are co-operating to make communities safer.

"This action should send a strong message to criminals out there," he said. "In this province, we are all working together to put a stop to drugs. If you break the law, you will be caught."

Under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, the Department of Justice's Public Safety Investigation Section can close residential and commercial buildings and land that are regularly used for illegal activities such prostitution, illegal gaming, the unlawful sale and consumption of alcohol or producing, selling or using illegal drugs.

Three private residences, and a downtown Glace Bay business, VIP Nails, were targeted in the operation. All but one were issued notices to vacate and have been posted with "Community Safety Warning" signs under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act.

"Our government has a priority to make communities across this province safe for everyone, and this is exactly the kind of action we anticipated with our Safer Communities and Neighborhoods Act," said Mr. Clarke.

The charges come after a four-month undercover investigation in the Glace Bay business district called Operation Bay Sweep. More than 40 officers were involved.