Nine Charged with Drug and Criminal Organization Offences

(OTTAWA, ON) – Since the arrests made on October 16, 2013 two additional arrests have been made.

David John Mayne BULLEN, 45 of Lombardy, was arrested on October 21, 2013. He was held in custody to appear for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice, Ottawa. He is facing charges of:

1. Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence (CC)
2. Counselling to Commit Extortion (CC)
3. Instruct a Criminal Organization (CC)
4. Participate in a Criminal Organization (CC)
5. Commission of an Offence for a Criminal Organization (CC)
6. Possession of Proceeds of Crime (CC)
7. Traffic Cocaine (CDSA)

Richard PERRON, 43 of L’Assomption, QC was arrested on October 21, 2013. He was held in custody to appear for a bail hearing in the Ontario Court of Justice, Ottawa. He is facing charges of:

1. Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence (CC),
2. Possession of Proceeds of Crime (CC),
3. Traffic Cocaine (CDSA),
4. Possess Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking (CDSA),
5. Participate in a Criminal Organization (CC), and
6. Commission of an offence for a Criminal Organization (CC)

Investigators are still searching for Michel PEDNEAULT, 50 of Blainville, QC, who is the subject of a Canada-wide arrest warrant.

At a news conference on October 16, 2013, members of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) and the Sûreté du Québec (SQ) revealed details of a lengthy and complex investigation into a criminal organization. Project ADELAIDE, an 11-month long investigation, began as an intelligence probe by the Provincial Operations Intelligence Bureau in response to information being received from small communities in Eastern Ontario. In November 2012, the OCEB was engaged and began to gather evidence against a drug-based criminal organization involved in distributing cocaine along with a host of other dangerous activities that are characteristic of criminal organizations. As the OCEB probe unfolded, the breadth of the investigation expanded into Québec and the SQ was engaged for assistance. The complex investigation revealed evidence of intimidation, extortion, and criminal interest rate loans –also known as ‘loan sharking’. The OPP continues to investigate these offences, as well as a $1.2 million mortgage fraud and high level money laundering through shell companies of approximately $10-million.

Police described the drug operation a unique due to its ‘just in time’ delivery model — similar to many modern manufacturers and commercial big box retailers. Cocaine in Montréal was being transferred to Mont-Tremblant, Québec, ‘cut’, and rapidly re-packaged for distribution to local traffickers in several Eastern Ontario communities, including Ottawa, Carleton Place, Perth, Stittsville, Lombardy, and Smiths Falls.

On October 16, 2013, police executed 25 search warrants, 18 in Ontario and seven (7) in Québec, at residential and business locations. During the takedown, police seized:

· 2.5 kilograms of cocaine;
· One kilogram of hashish;
· A half-kilogram of hashish;
· One handgun;
· Seven (7) motor vehicles;
· Restrained one residence with respect to proceeds of crime; and,
· $409,000 in cash.

Also charged under the Criminal Code of Canada (CC) and the Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) were:

1. Michel COTE, aged 54 years, of Amherst, QC:
2. Viorel GHEORGHEVICI, aged 44 years, of Ottawa, ON;
3. Jordan McGREGOR, aged 24 years, of Ottawa, ON;
4. Charles ETHIER, aged 47 years, of Amherst, QC;
5. Ross McCOY, aged 45 years, of Stittsville, ON
6. Ryan JONES, aged 44 years, of Smith Falls, ON

The investigation is continuing in relation to money laundering, criminal interest rate loans and mortgage fraud.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating a Robinson R44 Helicopter related to the investigation. If anyone has information on the where about of this aircraft, they are asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Over 150,000 Monthly Readers! 1 Million+ Across the entire FreePress Network.