Four men are facing mischief charges after seven RCMP vehicles were damaged during protests in Potlotek First Nation that blocked a few provincial highways causing traffic gridlock.
It was earlier this month when officers raided cannabis storefronts on Highway 4. Two men were arrested. In response, protestors blocked the highway forcing police to abandon their vehicles and leave on foot, citing safety concerns.
It was one of a slew of raids across the province after Nova Scotia implemented a cannabis crackdown in December. This caused a lot of unrest in First Nations.
Two other highways were blocked in solidarity – highway 105 in Whycocomagh and 102 in Shubenadie. Protestors remained on scene for several hours.
The vehicles were recovered the following day and found to be damaged with body armour that remains missing.
Premier Tim Houston came down hard on the protestors, saying blocking highways was “unacceptable” and that our “roadways are our life blood”.
RCMP say as part of the investigation, a floor jack, SKS rifle, with a high‑capacity magazine and a shotgun were seized after four follow-up searches.
The suspects ranging in age between 19 and 33-years old are scheduled to appear in Port Hawkesbury provincial court on June 11.
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