Four arrested Tuesday in downtown bust
Fredericton Police Force says integrated enforcement unit seized fentanyl, cocaine, cash
A fentanyl-trafficking suspect who was charged and remanded in court this week was one of several people arrested Tuesday in a police operation in Fredericton’s downtown area, police report.
The Fredericton Police Force issued a news release Friday afternoon, announcing officers effected several arrests Tuesday in a drug investigation.
“On March 4, 2025, the Fredericton Police Force’s (FPF) integrated enforcement unit (IEU) conducted a successful operation in the 100 block of King St. in Fredericton’s downtown, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of a quantity of drugs,” it said.
“Officers moved in and conducted a takedown of the vehicle, arresting five adult men.”
One of those arrested was Joel Douglas Perley, 48, of no fixed address.
As the Fredericton Independent reported earlier this week, Perley was charged with possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime - namely, $1,360 in Canadian cash.
Perley was remanded pending a bail hearing, which he later opted to forgo. He’s due back in court March 26 to elect mode of trial and pleas.
The release said three of the other four men are expected to face drug-related charges as well, while the other was released without charges.
“During the arrest, officers found a total of 18.63 grams of fentanyl, quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, three digital scales, and $1,600 in cash,” it said.
Integrated enforcement units consist of personnel from the RCMP, New Brunswick’s nine municipal police forces and peace officers with the Province’s Department of Justice and Public Safety, the release said, and their aims are to disrupt violence, firearms and drug trafficking in New Brunswick.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.