N.S. lobster buyer calls for heightened policing after shot fired into Meteghan home

A lobster buyer in Meteghan, N.S., is calling for increased policing and a united community effort to combat organized crime following a disturbing incident over the weekend. Geoffrey Jobert, owner of Lobster Hub Inc., a family-run business, woke up on Sunday to discover that a bullet had been fired into his home. Jobert, who is only 30 years old, believes that the attack is a clear example of intimidation tactics employed by organized criminals with ties to illegal lobster purchasing in southwestern Nova Scotia.

Jobert expressed his concerns about his safety, stating that he is taking all necessary precautions to protect himself and his loved ones. He emphasized the need for specialized RCMP involvement in addressing the escalating violence in the area. The lobster buyer revealed that he had been receiving threats ever since he started buying lobster from licensed commercial harvesters who had stopped selling to facilities involved in illegal activities.

The fear in the community is palpable, with Jobert urging more individuals to come forward with information about the ongoing attacks. He emphasized the importance of unity in the face of adversity, stating that collective action would make the community stronger. The RCMP confirmed that they were investigating the incident and acknowledged the rising crime statistics in Meteghan, including an increase in assaults, gun violence, and arsons.

Supt. Jason Popik of the RCMP acknowledged the presence of organized crime in Meteghan and expressed his efforts to bolster police presence in the town. Sgt. Jeff LeBlanc, the detachment commander in Meteghan, highlighted the seriousness of the recent incident and the ongoing investigations into organized crime activities. While the RCMP currently has a staff complement of seven officers, LeBlanc noted that additional specialists can be called upon from neighboring detachments when needed.

Various groups, including the Maritime Fishermen’s Union and the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance, have been advocating for stronger enforcement measures to combat illegal fishing and associated crimes. Ruth Inniss of the Maritime Fishermen’s Union emphasized the need for government authorities to take decisive action to end illegal fishing practices. Colin Sproul, president of the Unified Fisheries Conservation Alliance, expressed outrage at the continued violence in the area and called for immediate government intervention.

The community in Meteghan is facing a critical moment, with stakeholders from various sectors urging for swift and decisive action to address the escalating violence and criminal activities. The call for increased policing, community unity, and government intervention is essential to safeguarding the livelihoods and safety of residents in the region.