Labrador West man sentenced to 7 years in prison for cocaine trafficking

One of eight people arrested in a “major drug bust” in northeast Avalon, Quebec and western Labrador last year has been sentenced to seven years in prison.

Gary Mulrooney, 50, of Labrador City, pleaded guilty to possession and trafficking of cocaine and methamphetamine.

He was sentenced Wednesday in Wabush provincial court.

Mulrooney was arrested during a joint RCMP and NCR drug investigation, called Operation Turbulence, that lasted 12 months.

He will serve a sentence of five years and two months after receiving credit for time served on remand.

The drug seizure included five kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value, police said, of $600,000 and approximately 2,200 methamphetamine pills – known on the street as ICE – with a street value of about $7 each.

Approximately $100,000 in cash was also seized, along with various other items used in the production and distribution of cocaine, including a cocaine press and 27 kilograms of “cutting agent.”

Todd Bixby, 38, Craig Oldford, 48, David Fowler, 31, Kimberley Montague, 37, and Jean St. Marie, 59, were also arrested in Labrador West.

All five face trial, with a week-long preliminary hearing scheduled for November.

Michael Burton, 30, of Paradise, and Martin Sinard, 58, of Saint-Hubert, Quebec. were also arrested.