AMHERST - In the past two weeks, five search warrants have resulted in a number of people facing criminal charges.
Since Nov. 19, four males and one female have been charged, or have charges pending, under the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
"The Cumberland Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit executes one search per week, if not more," said Sgt. John Berry with the Cumberland District RCMP.
On Nov. 19, the unit, with the assistance of the Amherst Police Department, executed a search warrant at a residence in Amherst.
A 23-year-old male is facing charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and will appear in court at the end of December.
During the search, a quantity of cannabis marijuana, cannabis resin and drug trafficking materials were seized, along with cash and some unsecured firearms and weapons.
Four days later, a concerned citizen in the Mount Pleasant area called in a possible break and enter into an abandoned house after noticing the door looked like it had been pried open somehow.
The unit assisted members of the Cumberland District RCMP in the execution of the search warrant.
"Upon arrival to the house, the officers noticed the drugs inside," Sgt. Berry said.
A search of the residence resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 pounds of marijuana product.
"Charges are pending against an individual. Officers found some evidence that may lead them to an individual," he said, adding that whether or not charges will be laid will be determined in the future.
Two days later, on Nov. 25, the unit, with the assistance from Amherst Police, and the Parrsboro, Amherst and Oxford RCMP detachments, executed three search warrants.
One was a residence in Athol where charges are pending against a 59-year-old male after a "substantial amount" of marijuana and cannabis resin were seized, along with drug trafficking materials, marijuana production equipment and prohibited weapons.
The second search warrant was executed at a residence in Amherst where marijuana, cannabis resin oil and illegal tobacco were seized, along with drug trafficking materials and hashish.
A 42-year-old male and 31-year-old female were arrested and will answer to charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances and Revenue Acts in court on Dec. 14.
The third execution was another in the town, and charges are pending against a 23-year-old male.
A quantity of marijuana, marijuana plants and illegal tobacco were seized, as well as drug trafficking materials.
"None of these cases are connected. They were all individual executions that came from intelligence, or different sources," Sgt. Berry said.
rtetanish@amhersdaily.com



