RCMP PROBE DRUG TRAFFICKING IN SEVERAL FIRST NATION COMMUNITIES

SYDNEY -- RCMP in Cape Breton spent Wednesday executing arrest
warrants in Mi'kmaq communities across the island resulting in the
arrest of 15 suspects charged with 24 drug-related offences.

For the past three months, RCMP undercover operatives were busy buying
a host of drugs from alleged dealers in all five Cape Breton Mi'kmaq
communities -- Membertou, Chapel Island, Wagmatcook, Eskasoni and Waycobah.

RCMP have scheduled a news conference for today in Eskasoni to offer
more details concerning the investigation.

A police spokesperson said Wednesday the investigation stems from
complaints from First Nation communities that drug abuse was having a
negative impact on their communities, particularly among the youth.

During the investigation, police agents say they purchased everything
from marijuana to cocaine to prescription medications in varying
amounts for various prices.

Some of the accused appeared in court Wednesday in Sydney and were
released on conditions. They are to appear back in court Sept. 10 in
Baddeck to enter pleas to the charges. More suspects are expected to
either be released overnight or make court appearances today.

Those who appeared in court Wednesday were placed on similar
conditions including a curfew, report regularly to their local RCMP
detachment and refrain from alcohol and all illegal drugs.