Saint John Police Force

Two people have been arrested after Saint John Police seized suspected drugs, cash and a loaded handgun during a drug‑trafficking investigation.

Officers arrested a 32‑year‑old woman and a 27‑year‑old man from a vehicle on Feb. 6.

Police said the arrests were for what they describe as possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and weapons‑related offences.

Officers later executed search warrants at the pair’s home.

Police stated the following items that were seized:

• 1,645 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine
• 26 grams of an unknown pink powder substance
• 21 pills believed to be Oxycodone
• $1,170 in Canadian currency
• two sets of digital scales
• several .45‑calibre and 9‑mm ammunition
• a loaded Glock 26 fifth‑generation handgun
• cell phones
• a carton of contraband tobacco

Police said the drugs have an estimated street value of $165,526.

Both accused appeared in provincial court on Feb. 7 and were held in custody.

Police added that their next scheduled court appearance for a bail hearing is Monday.

Saint John police are alerting residents and businesses after a recent rise in counterfeit Canadian bills circulating in the city.

Police said several new reports have come in over the past few weeks, with most involving fake 20, 50 and 100‑dollar notes.

Officers explained that some of the bills appear convincing at first glance, and they are asking people to take a moment to check any cash they receive.

The service also noted it is a criminal offence in Canada to knowingly use or possess counterfeit money.

There are several warning signs that can help people identify a fake bill, according to the Bank of Canada.

Some of the signs are blurry or misaligned printing, missing holograms or transparent windows, differences in texture or colour, and raised ink on the main portrait.

The bank also said the tiny numbers in the window should match the bill’s denomination, and the portrait in the window should match the main portrait on the note.

More information on security features is available online.

Anyone who suspects they have received a counterfeit bill, or who has information about where the bills may be coming from, is asked to contact Saint John Police at 506‑648‑3333.

Anonymous tips can also be shared through Crime Stoppers.

A man has been arrested as Saint John police continue a homicide investigation involving the death of a 63‑year‑old man.

The investigation began after New Brunswick Justice and Public Safety Coroner Services notified officers on Aug. 26 that the man’s death was believed to involve foul play.

Investigators later learned the victim had been found with a head injury on July 19 after paramedics were called to a men’s shelter in the 100‑block of Waterloo Street.

The man was taken to the hospital and died on July 26. Officers arrested a 38‑year‑old man on Jan. 29.

He has been charged with manslaughter and failing to comply with a probation order.

The accused was remanded into custody following his first court appearance and returned to court on Monday.

He is scheduled to appear again on Feb. 5.

The Saint John Police are reporting new results from this year’s Festive RIDE campaign, showing shifts across several key categories compared with recent years.

The update was released on Monday and includes data going back to 2021.

Police said officers stopped 4,394 vehicles during the 2025 campaign. The service reported 692 breath tests, which led to several suspensions and vehicle impounds through December.

2025 results:

• 4,394 vehicles checked
• 692 breath tests completed
• 15 immediate roadside suspensions
• 11 seven‑day suspensions
• 30 vehicles impounded
• 2 refusals
• 8 suspended drivers
• 0 prohibited drivers

Police noted that no impaired driving arrests were recorded this year, which differs from the past few years. The service reported eight arrests in 2024, nine in 2023, 11 in 2022 and five in 2021.

Year‑to‑year comparisons

Police said the number of vehicles checked dropped from 6,250 in 2024 to 11,138 in 2023.

Breath‑test totals also declined from 708 in 2024 and 1,157 in 2023. The number of seven‑day suspensions also fell from 16 last year.

The Saint John Police said the campaign was carried out with support from the New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety and the Kennebecasis Regional Police Force.

The service added that road safety remains a priority beyond the holiday season.

The RIDE program — Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere — is an annual initiative that uses checkpoints and roaming patrols to target impaired driving.

In its initial announcement, the Saint John Police cited statistics from MADD Canada, which reports that hundreds of Canadians are killed each year in crashes involving alcohol or drugs.

MADD Canada also reports that nearly 78,000 federal charges and provincial short‑term licence suspensions were issued in a single year.

Police encouraged residents and visitors to plan during the holidays by arranging a sober ride and to report suspected impaired drivers.

The Saint John Police Force welcomed its three newest members Tuesday.

Temitope Akinrimisi, Chandler Armstrong and Alex Hussey were sworn in as constables at a brief ceremony.

The trio were recruited to the force through its sponsorship program.

According to Chief Robert Bruce, the program has become standard practice in New Brunswick.

The new officers are sponsored by the Saint John Police to attend the Atlantic Police Academy and guaranteed a position upon completion of their training.

“We are very fortunate that all our new members have come to the Saint John Police with the same passion and commitment to serve our community,” Bruce said.

Bruce said policing is an ever-changing profession, constantly evolving under increased demands, higher expectations and intense scrutiny.

“While the core values such as integrity, honour, valour, respect, self-confidence, pride, professionalism, inclusiveness and accountability have remained steadfast, the profession itself has become far more complex,” Bruce said.

“As professional police officers, we give up the right to a bad day.”

The new officers come from diverse backgrounds.

Const. Akinrimisi is from Nigeria, where he worked as a credit risk analyst for the First City Monument Bank. He moved to Canada in 2022, and in 2023 completed a master of business administration at the University of New Brunswick.

Const. Armstrong comes from Ontario, where he attended Durham College and received a two-year diploma in protection, security and investigation. He spent the last four years as a loss prevention investigator with Holt Renfrew, a dual security supervisor with Ace Casino Blackfoot and a security operations supervisor with Casino Ajax.

Const. Hussey, a graduate of Rothesay Netherwood School, has served in the Canadian Armed Forces as a member of the naval reserves. He also followed in his father’s footsteps. Staff Sgt. Mark Hussey is a 20-year veteran of the Saint John Police and presented his son with his badge.

Bruce told the new officers to continue to improve their skills and education and to be the best they can be.

“There is no greater honour than to serve others,” Bruce said. “There is no greater satisfaction than making a difference in the lives of those you serve.”

The new officers began their duties immediately.

Saint John police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect in a convenience store robbery in East Saint John.

The robbery occurred on December 28, 2024, at 7:20 p.m. at a store on Bonita Avenue.

Police explained that a man entered the store with a weapon and took an undisclosed amount of cash before leaving in an older silver or gold vehicle with tinted windows and a loud exhaust.

Investigators said the store employee was injured during the incident and was taken to the hospital with non‑life‑threatening injuries before being released.

Officers have not been able to identify the suspect.

Police described the man as a slender, English‑speaking Caucasian believed to be under 35 and about five‑foot‑six to five‑foot‑seven.

They said he was wearing black clothing, a black‑and‑white bandana and black gloves, and had a visible tattoo covering his left forearm.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saint John Police Force at 506‑648‑3333.

A drug‑trafficking investigation in Saint John has led to the arrest of a 29‑year‑old man and the seizure of cocaine, crystal meth and cash.

Saint John police said the man was arrested without incident on Wednesday.

Officers later searched a residence in the city, seizing 87 grams of cocaine, 350 grams of crystal methamphetamine, and $9,210 in cash, along with scales and cell phones.

Police said the man is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine and proceeds of crime over $5000.

He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.

Saint John Police are cautioning residents about a rise in stolen packages as holiday shopping increases.

Officers explained that thieves, often called “porch pirates,” are targeting deliveries left in plain view from the street.

Police outlined several steps residents can take to reduce the risk. The service recommends secure delivery options, such as in‑store pickup or asking a trusted person to collect a parcel.

Tracking shipments and requesting couriers to place packages in concealed spots, like behind a shrub, can also help.

Police said visible security cameras may discourage theft and provide evidence if a package is stolen.

They also advise requesting a signature upon delivery to ensure items are not left unattended.

If a package goes missing, the police service says residents should first contact the shipping company. Anyone who believes a theft has occurred is encouraged to report it.

Saint John Police are asking residents to report suspicious activity through the non‑emergency line at 506‑648‑3333.

Those who want to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑8477 or online.