Financial Crime World

RCMP Concludes Major Money Laundering Investigation in Newfoundland and Labrador: Project Bustle

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced the successful conclusion of Project Bustle, a three-year-long investigation into interprovincial drug trafficking and money laundering by an organized crime network in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Targeting Organized Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering

Project Bustle, led by the RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region, aimed to address organized drug trafficking in Newfoundland and Labrador, targeting criminal networks responsible for drug trafficking in the province. The investigation resulted in charges related to money laundering involving over $1 million in illicit income.

Seizures and Charges

During a news conference in Gander, Staff Sergeant David Emberley of the RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region announced the seizure of:

  • Approximately eight kilograms of cocaine
  • Over $173,000.00 in cash
  • 1.7 kilograms of illicit cannabis
  • A quantity of contraband tobacco
  • Drug paraphernalia and items consistent with drug trafficking
  • A Range Rover SUV
  • An Acura SUV
  • A 2013 Yamaha SX 210 twin-engine boat
  • A 2013 Shore Lander boat trailer
  • A quantity of gold coins
  • A quantity of gold bars
  • High-end jewellery
  • Encrypted cellular phones

Five individuals were charged with multiple offenses in relation to cocaine trafficking in late 2023. Two of these individuals, 43-year-old Stephen Kelly of Gander and 33-year-old Kathleen Pelley, were additionally charged with money laundering and possession of the proceeds of crime.

Collaborative Efforts

The successful execution of Project Bustle was made possible through the joint efforts of several units within the RCMP and external partners:

  • RCMP-RNC Joint Forces Operation West
  • RCMP Police Dog Services
  • RCMP Forensic Identification Services
  • Other specialized units
  • Canada Border Services Agency
  • Canada Revenue Agency
  • Canadian Air Transport Security Authority
  • The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada
  • The Forensic Accounting Management Group
  • Seized Property Management Directorate

Ongoing Commitment to Combating Organized Crime

RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region is committed to targeting criminal activity involving national security, transnational and serious organized crime, and cybercrime throughout the entire province of Newfoundland and Labrador.