Drug and Contraband Raid in Sherbrooke Leads to Major Seizure – Three to Face Charges

SHERBROOKE, April 15, 2025 – A joint task force from the Sherbrooke Police Service and the Régie de police de Memphrémagog, operating under the ACCES Cannabis and ACCES Tobacco programs, executed two significant drug and contraband raids on Monday, March 31.

The searches took place at 1063 rue Courcelette and 448 Galt Ouest, following a public tip and a short investigation. Authorities confirmed the two locations were being used for illegal drug sales and tobacco smuggling.

Three suspects, aged 65, 66, and 70, will face charges by summons in the coming days. The operation was carried out with assistance from Sherbrooke Police patrol officers and forensic identification services.

Charges to be Filed:
Possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking

Possession of illicit cannabis for sale

Possession of contraband tobacco

Items Seized:
10,460 cigarettes and 200 cigarillos

151 grams of hashish

2,650 MDMA pills

5,818 methamphetamine tablets

320 grams of cannabis

Accounting ledgers and a digital scale

= About the ACCES Programs
Both operations fall under Quebec’s government-led ACCES (Concerted Actions to Counter Underground Economies) initiatives:

ACCES Cannabis (launched in 2018): Aims to reduce illegal cannabis distribution, particularly among youth.

ACCES Tobacco (launched in 2001): Focuses on curbing the black-market tobacco trade.

These initiatives seek to protect public health, dismantle organized crime networks, and preserve government revenues by enforcing strict regulations around legal cannabis and tobacco sales.

Authorities stress that continued pressure will be applied to illegal sellers and producers. While cannabis is legal under municipal, provincial, and federal laws, the black market still poses a threat to health, public safety, and provincial tax revenue.

How to Report Illegal Cannabis or Tobacco Sales
If you have any information about illegal drug or tobacco activities, you can contact:

acces_cannabis@ville.sherbrooke.qc.ca

Or anonymously via Échec au crime:
1-800-711-1800
www.echecaucrime.com