Montreal police have arrested seven people following a series of operations targeting drug trafficking in and around Cabot Square in the Ville-Marie borough.
The arrests were made between Nov. 5 and Dec. 17 as part of an investigation led by the SPVM’s Project Investigations South narcotics unit, working alongside neighbourhood police from PDQ 12 and other specialized units.
Police say the operations led to the seizure of cocaine, crack, various pills and more than $8,000 in cash.
Two men, aged 23 and 29, were arrested Nov. 5 and later released. On Dec. 2, two other men, Wesley Barnes, 54, and Rosly Alix Ngassaki, 39, were arrested and appeared in custody at the Montreal courthouse on charges related to drug possession and trafficking. A 47-year-old woman was also arrested that day and released on a summons.
On Dec. 17, Martin Richardson, 45, was arrested and appeared in court the following day on similar charges. A 63-year-old man was also apprehended and released pending a court appearance.
None of the allegations have been tested in court.
Authorities say the investigation focused on improving safety and quality of life in the area, where officers have stepped up enforcement efforts in recent months. Police say they plan to continue working with community partners to develop longer-term solutions.
