New Brunswick's landscape, especially its coastline and natural areas, are a draw for vacationers looking to get away and experience what this province has to offer. They want to come to explore the many bays and inlets along the coast, walk through our forests or set out on an adventure along the many rural roads. It's these same geographical qualities of our province that also appeal to those who may be involved in criminal activities. They are not looking for the beauty instead they want the seclusion offered along the coastline or airstrips in sparsely populated areas. Criminals see our province as one that's well positioned to be a gateway for criminal activity. They like New Brunswick because of where it's positioned with land access to three Canadian provinces and also with the United States. This could mean the importation of illicit drugs to be sold in our province but also to be shipped to other places. It could be a drop-off or pick-up location for those involved in human trafficking especially with our proximity to the United States.
New Brunswick has over 5500 kilometres of coastline that stretches from Grand Manan north towards Miscou Island and beyond. While there are many wharves along the coastline that are busy because of fishing or other industries, the coastline also has many isolated inlets, bays and areas where you can easily access the shore from a boat. It's those discreet locations that are favoured by criminals to load and unload illegal products without the threat of detection.
It's difficult to maintain a constant watch for illegal activity along a coastline that stretches so long. This is where the RCMP is seeking the help of those people who live year-round on the coast, spend the summer on coastal property or are regular users of the waterways along the coast either for a personal or business reason. If you see yourself in one of these roles then your knowledge of the local area means you'll notice if something is out of the ordinary. This could day or night, in good weather or bad and may involve an unusual number of vessels or people.
The Coastal Watch program of the RCMP was set up to inform Canadians of what to watch for in order to help police identify areas that are being used. There are things to keep in mind to help you recognize criminal activity. They are typically things that will automatically make you wonder what's going on, such as boats operating without proper lights especially if it's at night or the boats don't appear to have proper markings. Larger vessels that are surrounded by smaller boats or have boats running back and forth from shore is an indicator of suspicious activity. Those involved in criminal activity want to remain undetected and may try to avoid busy times on the water. You may also see smaller boats appear stationary in certain areas but then move suddenly when other vessels pass nearby.
Access to New Brunswick can also be done from the air. There are many secluded airstrips in the province that have been or continue to be used for the forestry industry, agriculture or plane enthusiasts. From a distance they may look like an open field but are flat enough and long enough for a small plane to land and take off. These are often in remote areas yet still accessible by car, truck or ATV. Suspicious activity involving aircraft is when the plane has the windows covered or blackened to prevent anyone from seeing inside, the plane may not have the usual registration markings to indicate the plane's country of origin. Is the plane landing and taking off without proper lighting or always seems to arrive or depart during odd hours.
If you see anything suspicious that makes you think that it's suspicious, that's when it's time to call the RCMP. If you're having a conversation with a neighbour or friend about it and there doesn't seem to be any reasonable explanation for you're seeing then call police.
Leave the investigating to police. What you can do to help the RCMP is call us while activity is happening, don't wait. Those taking the information will want to know the time date and location of what you're seeing. If you have GPS coordinates please share them when you call.
Watch from a distance as there is no need to try and get closer. Any attempt to try and talk to the individuals involved could be risky as the true intentions of the individuals involved is not known.
You can report suspicious activity by calling Coastal/Airport Watch at 1-800-665-6663 or by contacting your local RCMP detachment or police agency.
Cpl. Don Martin
RCMP New Brunswick
Federal Operations East
506-859-2579