It’s Hammertime: N.S. police arrest four after year-long drug investigation

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

The RCMP says four men have been arrested for drug trafficking, arson, threats and intimidation after a year-long investigation on the South Shore.

The accused were charged on Wednesday as police executed search warrants in Church Point and Belliveau’s Cove, following a 13-month investigation dubbed “Project Hammertime.”

Police said they found drugs, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, cash and a weapon during the searches.

“These individuals, through their criminal activities and intimidation tactics, behaved like they owned Clare,” says Superintendent Jason Popik, District Policing Officer, Southwest Nova District RCMP. “We recognize the disruption they’ve caused to the surrounding community and are pleased to be moving forward with these charges.”

The arrested include 66-year-old Eric David Thibault of Church Point. He’s facing a long list of charges, including drug trafficking, arson and intimidation, and police say he’s also facing offences under the Fisheries Act after consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Dean Joseph Stuart, 55, also from Church Point, facing drug trafficking and weapons-related charges.

Police say 60-year-old Raymond Arthur Scott from Meteghan is facing arson-related charges, while a 33-year-old man not named by police is charged with one count of extortion.

Anyone with information is asked to reach out to police.