Drug trafficking operation nets 40 arrests

At least 40 people in the Laurentian and Lanaudire regions were arrested today in a series of police raids targeting a drug trafficking ring police say islinked to biker gangs.

Among those arrested was a civillian employee of theSt-Jrme police force who was said to have sensitive information that could have compromised todays operation and possibly future ones.

Laval police spokesman Sgt. Frdric Jean said the employee has been suspended.

Searches were carried out by 300 officers in 29 homes and 22 cars in St-Jrme, Mirabel, Terrebonne, St-Colomban and St-Hippolyte.

The searches are part of Operation Escarpin, an investigation started in September 2012.

Jean said authorities found drugs, weapons and a "good amount" of cash, as well as important documents in the raids.