RCMP have updated their organized crime investigation, dubbed Project Broken, which was launched back in May of 2017 with a number of convictions resulting from the charges laid.
Four people were previously convicted in connection with the major drug investigation, including 34-year-old Tom Brown of Torbay, 31-year-old Michael Smith, 30-year-old Jon Mahon of Torbay, and 31-year-old Charlotte Toomey a resident of Montreal. RCMP say the last of the convictions, occurred this week with Nick Travis pleading guilty to possession for the purpose of trafficking. He received a 30 month jail sentence.
RCMP say Project Broken was focused on an organized crime group based in St. John’s that consisted of six people and an inter-provincial drug trafficking network. Police say the group was responsible for importing large volumes of cocaine into Newfoundland and Labrador and money laundering. The police operation led to the largest single seizure of illicit cash by police in the province’s history – at over $840,000, and six kilograms of cocaine as well as firearms and vehicles. The total value of all items seized, including the cash, was approximately $1.4 million.
A sixth person charged with money laundering, was acquitted during trial last fall.
Previous Charges
Tom Brown (age 34) of Torbay– convicted of conspiracy to traffic cocaine and was sentenced on July 22, 2020, to 44 months in jail. He received a firearms prohibition and a forfeiture of all items seized, including his Infiniti vehicle.
Michael Smith (age 31) who was incarcerated in Quebec at the time of this investigation– convicted of conspiracy to traffic cocaine and possession of proceeds of crime on November 27, 2020, and was sentenced to a jail term of 7 years. He received a firearms prohibition.
Jon Mahon of Torbay (age 30) – convicted of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, possession of a firearm/prohibited weapon knowing its possession is prohibited, possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number, unsafe storage of a firearm, two counts of money laundering and possession of proceeds of crime. He was sentenced on December 10, 2020, to 7.5 years in jail. He received a firearms prohibition and a forfeiture of all items seized, including high-end jewelry, designer clothing and a Mercedes vehicle. In addition, a fine in lieu of forfeiture, issued for intangible items unable to be seized, in the amount of $196,255 was imposed.
Charlotte Toomey (age 31) who resided in Montreal, Quebec at the time of this investigation– convicted of conspiracy to traffic cocaine, possession of LSD, money laundering, and possession of proceeds of crime. She was sentenced on June 9, 2021, in Quebec to 30 months in jail. She received a firearms prohibition and a forfeiture of all items seized, including $843,530 in cash. In addition, a fine in lieu of forfeiture, issued for intangible items unable to be seized, in the amount of $194,846.87 was imposed.
