Ashley Brown, 38, was charged with trafficking in steroids and breach of trust. He appeared in front of a justice of the peace and was released on conditions.
Officers from the Combined Forces Intelligence Unit and Integrated HRP/RCMP Special Enforcement Section arrested 11 men and three women from across Halifax Regional Municipality, Cape Breton and Truro.
The joint investigation began last October following the arrest of Corrections Officer Malcolm Beaton. This subsequently afforded investigators the opportunity to collect additional evidence that led to Friday’s charges against 11 men and three women, including Brown.
It is alleged that some of the individuals charged were involved in the supply and trafficking of a variety of drugs including hydromorphone, dilaudid, hash, marihuana and steroids throughout the correctional facility. Additional arrests have occurred for trafficking cocaine and crack cocaine.
During the investigation officers seized over a kilogram of cocaine, a loaded handgun and a quantity of cash.
“As the provincial police service, in working with our law enforcement partners, the RCMP will continue to target the drug trade in Nova Scotia at every level. Drug dealers have the belief that they hold power and they can hide and operate within our Institutions and communities.” says Inspector Joanne Crampton, Nova Scotia RCMP Division Intelligence Officer, in a news release. “Today’s arrests are proof that these actions are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
“This investigation was complex and it demonstrates the skills of our officers who used multiple techniques to gather evidence against those involved in various criminal groups and who are responsible for a significant amount of drug trafficking within the Municipality.”
