Major Undercover Operation Uncovers Organized Crime in Nova Scotia’s Fishing Industry

A lengthy undercover investigation in Nova Scotia has led to significant arrests linked to organized crime and illegal lobster harvesting. The operation, known as Operation Hammertime, was conducted over 13 months by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in collaboration with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and Nova Scotia’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

On November 19, authorities arrested four individuals tied to alleged criminal activities centered around the conservation and regulation of the lucrative lobster fishery. The Chronicle Herald reported that the arrests stemmed from a broader scheme that exploited pivotal fisheries regulations.

Key Figures in the Investigation

Among those arrested was 66-year-old Eric Thibault, who worked for Wedgeport Lobsters, a major processing facility located in Lower Wedgeport. Thibault reportedly led a criminal network that engaged in harvesting lobster outside of the legal fishing season and created a climate of fear in the Clare area through arsons, shootings, and threats.

Charges against Thibault are severe and include: conspiracy to traffic cocaine, possession and trafficking of cocaine, arson for fraudulent purposes, and intimidation. Additionally, he faces accusations of violating Canada’s Fisheries Act by fishing for lobster without a valid license.

As of now, these charges remain unproven in court.

Business Implications

Wedgeport Lobsters, notable for its processing of high-quality lobsters, is owned by Reginald Leblanc, a significant figure in the South Shore seafood industry. Currently, no charges have been filed against Leblanc, according to the Chronicle Herald.

In relation to the investigation, DFO officers, alongside the RCMP and DNR officials, conducted inspections on Wedgeport Lobsters and another of Leblanc’s facilities in Delaps Cove within the preceding weeks. Deborah Boutt-Matheson, a public relations officer for DFO Maritimes, clarified the nature of these inspections: “During inspections, it is common practice for fishery officers to copy business records which can be compared to prior reports and information from other sources. Inspections are not searches or investigations; however, they could lead to an investigation if any irregularities arise.”

Additional Arrests

Three other men are also facing serious charges related to the operation. Dean Joseph Stuart, 55, from Church Point, has been charged with trafficking and possession of cocaine, among other offenses. Raymond Arthur Scott, 60, from Meteghan, faces charges of arson and conspiracy to commit arson. A third unnamed 33-year-old man from Church Point has been charged with extortion.

Meteghan RCMP Sgt. Jeff LeBlanc addressed concerns about the violent behavior associated with this crime group, noting, “We’ve been dealing with several cases of violent behavior from this crime group for the last two years, especially.”

Recent Incidents Highlighting the Crisis

This situation is part of a larger trend of violence within the area, with a notable incident occurring last November when gunshots were fired into the home of a lobster buyer in Meteghan, just days before the winter lobster fishing season commenced. This highlights the ongoing tension and safety concerns linked to the illegal fishing practices in Nova Scotia.

The investigation remains ongoing, as authorities continue to assess the scope and implications of these criminal activities on the local fishing industry.