On July 4, a significant law enforcement operation took place in Lake Echo, resulting in five individuals facing over 10 charges each. The Halifax RCMP, aided by the Emergency Response Team, executed a search warrant at a residence located on Snow White Drive. This action was part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
During the search, authorities seized an impressive cache of illegal items. Among the confiscated items were a loaded .223 calibre assault-style rifle equipped with a high-capacity magazine, various ammunition, three replica handguns, and a quantity of illicit drugs including cocaine and narcotic prescription pills. Authorities also discovered dried cannabis and recovered a Dodge Ram 1500 that had been previously reported stolen.
At the scene, the police safely arrested five individuals linked to the investigation. The suspects have been identified as Joseph Andrew Fitzgerald, 51, from Lake Echo; Cheray Shedrick, 35, from Sipekne'katik; Samantha Jeane Forbes, 34, from Newport; Richard Douglas Ruth, 48, from Porters Lake; and Norman Blair Philpitt, 58, also from Lake Echo. Each of these individuals has been charged with multiple offenses related to weapons possession and drug trafficking.
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose;
- Unsafe Storage of Firearm;
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm;
- Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Weapon or Restricted Weapon;
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition;
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized;
- Possession of a Prohibited Weapon, Device or Ammunition Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized;
- Possession of a Weapon Obtained by Commission of Offence;
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (over $5,000);
- Laundering Proceeds of Crime; and
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.
In addition to the common charges, Joseph Andrew Fitzgerald faces three additional counts of Possession Contrary to Order, as well as three counts for Failure to Comply with Order. Cheray Shedrick is also charged with four counts of Failure to Comply with Order.
