Drug trafficking operation nets 40 arrests

At least 40 people in the Laurentian and Lanaudière regions were arrested today in a series of police raids targeting a drug trafficking ring police say is linked to biker gangs.

Among those arrested was a civillian employee of the St-Jérôme police force who was said to have sensitive information that could have compromised today’s operation and possibly future ones.

Laval police spokesman Sgt. Frédéric Jean said the employee has been suspended.

Searches were carried out by 300 officers in 29 homes and 22 cars in St-Jérôme, Mirabel, Terrebonne, St-Colomban and St-Hippolyte.

The searches are part of Operation Escarpin, an investigation started in September 2012.

Jean said authorities found drugs, weapons and a "good amount" of cash, as well as important documents in the raids.