AKWESASNE – On Dec. 22, 2018 the Integrated Drug & Crime Unit of the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service executed a search warrant at a residence in the District of Tsi Snaihne (Snye).
The late night raid was the result of an ongoing investigation into illicit drug trafficking. The warrant execution resulted in the seizure of various types of drugs, an undetermined quantity of currency as well as firearms. Two people were arrested for offences subject to the Cannabis Act, the Criminal Code of Canada as well as the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act.
Both subjects were remanded to custody and will appear on Thursday, December 27, 2018 for a bail hearing.
Louis Francis, 36 and Valerie Ann Lazore, 40 were charged accordingly before the Valleyfield Provincial Court on the following charges:
• Possession of cannabis for unlawful sale and distribution subject to the Cannabis Act
• Two counts of production of cannabis by altering the chemical or physical properties of cannabis subject to the Cannabis Act
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine subject to the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act
• Possession of a firearm without lawful possession subject to the Criminal Code
• Unsafe storage of a firearm subject to the Criminal Code
Valerie Ann Lazore was additionally charged with obstructing police in the execution of duty subject to the Criminal Code.
According to Akwesasne Mohawk Police Chief Shawn Dulude, the search warrant was a success as there were items seized at the residence that corroborate the application of the judicial authorization.
“Search warrants are no easy task to obtain, a lot of investigative work is put into the process,” said Chief of Police Dulude. “This was a significant seizure as drugs and guns pose a real safety concern.”
Police seized a large quantity of drugs in various forms and types.
“It will be quite the task to process all the items seized but at this point, I can confirm that there were many seized exhibits that reflect drug trafficking,” added Chief Dulude.
