Project Hammertime: Four men allegedly operating as crime group arrested in southern N.S.

(Source: RCMP)

Four men are facing charges for allegedly operating as a crime group in southern Nova Scotia.

The charges follow a 13-month investigation by the RCMP called “Project Hammertime.”

Officers arrested the men and executed search warrants at multiple locations in Church Point and a home in Belliveau’s Cove on Wednesday.

Police say they seized a quantity of drugs and cash, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, electronic devices, a firearm, and financial documents.

The men arrested are accused of engaging in drug trafficking, arson, threats and intimidation.

“These individuals, through their criminal activities and intimidation tactics, behaved like they owned Clare,” said RCMP Supt. Jason Popik in a news release from the force.

“We recognize the disruption they’ve caused to the surrounding community and are pleased to be moving forward with these charges.”

Eric David Thibault, 66, of Church Point is facing the following charges:

• conspiracy to traffic cocaine
• possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine)
• two counts of trafficking cocaine
• arson for a fraudulent purpose
• two counts of intimidation
• counselling to commit drug trafficking
• two counts of dangerous driving
• two counts of breach of release order

Thibault is also facing several charges under the Fisheries Act.

Dean Joseph Stuart, 55, of Church Point, is facing the following charges:

• conspiracy to traffic cocaine
• trafficking cocaine
• possession for the purpose of trafficking (cocaine)
• possession for the purpose of trafficking (tusi)
• unauthorized possession of firearm
• possession of firearm knowing it’s unauthorized
• possession of property obtained by crime

Raymond Arthur Scott, 60, of Meteghan has been charged with arson and conspiracy to commit arson.

Police say a 33-year-old man from Church Point, who has not yet been named, has also been arrested and will face one charge of extortion.

“Meteghan RCMP believe that there are individuals who may have supporting evidence for this ongoing investigation,” the release reads. “Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.”

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