Project Hammertime: Major Crackdown Dismantles Alleged Crime Group in Southern Nova Scotia

There's a palpable sense of relief, perhaps, rippling through communities in Southern Nova Scotia following a major police breakthrough. What started as a focused investigation into organized crime has culminated in the arrest of four individuals, now facing a staggering array of 31 charges. It’s all part of an extensive effort known as "Project Hammertime," spearheaded by the RCMP’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit, and it’s certainly making waves.

For quite some time, authorities had been meticulously gathering intelligence on what they describe as an organized crime group allegedly involved in drug trafficking and firearms offenses right here in our province. This wasn't some quick-hit operation; it was a deep dive, an investigation that had been quietly underway since 2023. The meticulous work finally paid off on May 1st, when officers, executing a series of search warrants across Bridgewater, Gold River, and Lower Branch, moved in to make arrests.

The men taken into custody are Shane Edward Green, 52, from Bridgewater; Nicholas Jeffrey Keddy, 38, from Gold River; Jason Michael Green, 44, and Shawn William Davison, 42, both from Lower Branch. The charges against them are severe and wide-ranging. We're talking about allegations of trafficking in serious drugs like cocaine, crack cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine. But it doesn't stop there; they're also facing numerous firearms offenses and, significantly, a charge of conspiracy to commit an indictable offense, which suggests a well-coordinated operation.

And what did the police find during these searches? Well, it paints quite a picture of the alleged illicit activities. Large quantities of various drugs were seized – cocaine, crack, and crystal meth, as mentioned. But it wasn't just drugs. Authorities also confiscated a substantial amount of cash, suggesting a lucrative illegal enterprise. Perhaps even more alarming was the discovery of multiple firearms, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns, alongside other drug paraphernalia. They even seized vehicles believed to be connected to the group's operations. It really drives home the potential danger these activities posed to our communities.

This success, it's important to note, wasn't a solo effort. "Project Hammertime" stands as a testament to truly collaborative policing. The RCMP’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit worked hand-in-hand with the Bridgewater Police Service, an invaluable local partner. Additional crucial support came from the Criminal Intelligence Service of Nova Scotia, Lunenburg District RCMP, the Emergency Response Team, and Police Dog Services. When you see this level of cooperation, it underscores the seriousness of the investigation and the shared commitment to tackling organized crime head-on.

All four accused individuals made their initial appearance in Bridgewater Provincial Court on May 15th, where they were subsequently remanded into custody. As the legal process unfolds, these arrests send a clear message: law enforcement remains vigilant, dedicated to disrupting criminal networks, and committed to making our communities safer. It's a continuous battle, of course, but "Project Hammertime" marks a significant victory in that ongoing fight.