Don Moser, Senior Operations Officer, RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, speaks to reporters during a news conference concerning a drug seizure of cocaine and counterfeit oxycodone, at Nova Scotia RCMP HQ in Dartmouth Tuesday November 18, 2025. Photo by TIM KROCHAKArticle contentNova Scotia RCMP have charged a Dartmouth man with drug trafficking following a large seizure valued at over $4 million. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Halifax regional detachment’s street crime enforcement unit began investigating the movement of cocaine into HRM in September. The investigation led officers to identify a suspect as a drug transporter and monitor his movements, Supt. Don Moser, senior operations officer for the detachment, said Tuesday. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe suspect travelled to Quebec between Sept. 27-29, according to police. Upon his return to Nova Scotia on Sept. 29, an officer stopped his vehicle on Highway 104 in Colchester County, with help from the RCMP Nova Scotia emergency response team. Article contentA search of the vehicle revealed a custom-built hidden compartment inside the trunk of the van, Moser told reporters at RCMP headquarters.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Article contentInside the compartment, officers found 40 kilograms of cocaine and about 10,000 counterfeit pills designed to look like prescription oxycodone. Moser said investigators believe the pills could contain fentanyl and that testing is underway. Article contentThe drugs “were believed to be destined for the Halifax Regional Municipality,” he said, adding that the cocaine alone has an estimated street value of $4 million. Article content Forty-one kilogram bricks of cocaine are seen during a news conference concerning a drug seizure of cocaine and counterfeit oxycodone, at Nova Scotia RCMP headquarters in Dartmouth on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Photo by TIM KROCHAKArticle contentArticle contentMoser described the discovery of the hidden compartment as unique for the region. Article contentArticle content“So, unusual, I would say, in the Nova Scotia, HRM environment, but we do know they’re likely in use and have been in use in other parts of Canada.” Article contentMoser said being able to stop the shipment could be a major disruption to the drug trade. Article content“To have been able to intercede on that is a significant action by law enforcement,” he said. “I would go out on a limb to say it will be significant. . . . The drug trade is something that we’re always working hard to interrupt for public safety reasons.” Article contentExile Antonino Sandulu, 38, has been charged with two counts of drug trafficking and was released by the court. He is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth provincial court Dec 12. Article contentThe investigation remains ongoing; however, police said they are not looking for additional suspects at this time. Article contentMoser said police will continue to investigate the broader network responsible for the shipment, though he declined to comment on Sandulu’s possible position within it as the matter is before the court. Article contentRCMP encourage anyone with information to contact Halifax RCMP or Crime Stoppers.Article contentArticle contentArticle content
RCMP seize $4M in cocaine, counterfeit pills; Dartmouth man charged
