News release

Street Crime Unit Seizes Oxycontin in Drug Bust

Justice

The street crime unit of the Cape Breton Regional Police is being applauded by Attorney General and Justice Minister Cecil Clarke for seizing $700,000 in Oxycontin.

Two men -- one from Montreal, the other from Halifax -- are facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficing oxycontin following an investigation by the street crime members in a downtown Sydney parking lot Friday, Nov. 7.

As part of the government's safer communities initiatives, police officers have been hired to form street crime units to combat particular crimes. Ten officers work in the Cape Breton Regional Police unit, which has been making historic drug busts.

"This shows once again that the street crime units are working. We are having great success getting drugs off the street before they can do damage," said Mr. Clarke.

Cape Breton Regional Police acting Chief Myles Burke told Mr. Clarke the drugs have a street value of $700,000 and were destined for the streets of Cape Breton. About 25,000 tablets were seized.

"This was a major seizure. Certainly one of the largest we've seen," said Mr. Burke. "The officers are making a huge difference in our community."