Six Charged in Cape Breton Based Plot to Import Cocaine

Nova Scotia RCMP made several arrests and laid multiple charges in relation to Operation Halfpenny, a 1.5-year international drug trafficking investigation with ties to Colombia. During the spring of 2015, information came forward to the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit. An investigation began in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia that uncovered a conspiracy to import over one tonne of cocaine into Canada from Colombia. The investigation also uncovered two instances of individuals possessing and trafficking cocaine. On Thursday, RCMP arrested four men without incident and executed search warrants at residences in Arichat, West Arichat, Baddeck and Hubley. During the search, police seized items including 25 firearms, a significant quantity of ammunition, 3 prohibited weapons, a stolen vehicle, a significant quantity of hashish, cash and tactical equipment. Additional charges are pending