MONTREAL - The anti-corruption unit of the Sureté du Québec executed massive raids Tuesday morning, sending 200 officers to arrest 23 suspects on weapons and drug charges. The bust began as an investigation into a series of arson attacks committed in the Eastern Townships.
A series of fires set to businesses in the area started in the autumn of 2010. Police initially believed the arson was part of a gang war.
Further inspection led the police to conclude that weapon and drug smuggling were also connected to the fires.
The SQ says that both alleged heads of the organization have been arrested, Raymond Coulombe, 63, and Luc Rondeau, 43.
Those arrested will have to answer to a slew of charges Tuesday afternoon at the Sherbrooke courthouse.
Charges are expected to include arson, production of cannabis, drug trafficking, arms-related charges and gangsterism.
Police from Sherbrooke, Magog, Granby as well as the RCMP and the provincial Revenue Ministry also participated in the operation.
