The New Brunswick RCMP arrested two men and three women Thursday during a firearm investigation in Penniac, N.B.
Officers searched a home on Route 628 in Penniac on April 21. During the search, police seized six firearms, including two loaded and unsecured handguns — one of which is prohibited. They also found four other unsecured guns, including two that were loaded.
Police later seized what is believed to be cocaine, fentanyl pills, an unknown substance believed to be a cutting agent, ammunition, money, drug-trafficking paraphernalia, two weapons — including one that is prohibited — and eight outlaw motorcycle club vests.
Two men and three women were arrested at the scene without incident.
The RCMP says 41-year-old Wade Anthony Phillips and 38-year-old Andrew Jim Roberts appeared in Fredericton Provincial Court on April 21. Both were charged with possession of a firearm while prohibited and were remanded into custody.
During their bail hearings on April 25, they were each charged with the following additional offences:
- Possession of a firearm obtained by commission of offence
- Possession of a firearm for a dangerous purpose
- Possession of a loaded prohibited firearm
- Unsafe storage of a firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
Phillips was remanded into custody and will return to court on May 16. Roberts remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court on May 2.
The three women were later released.
Mounties say the investigation was conducted by the Provincial Crime Reduction Unit, which includes police officers from the New Brunswick RCMP and Fredericton Police Force.
Members of the Emergency Response Team, Fredericton Police Force, Police Dog Services, New Brunswick Criminal Intelligence Services and the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team assisted in the investigation.
The public is reminded to report any information on illegal drug activity to their local police or Crime Stoppers.