CFB Petawawa soldiers charged with drug, weapons offences after cocaine, meth seized

OTTAWA – Two Canadian soldiers are accused of trafficking cocaine and methamphetamines to military members at a Canadian Forces Base in Petawawa, Ont., and to civilians in the area.

The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service says Bombardier Nathan Saunders and Cpl. Rickardo Bryce were both charged Tuesday following an investigation that began in December.

Saunders is charged with possession and trafficking of controlled substances, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and careless storage of a firearm.

Bryce is charged with possession and trafficking of controlled substances.

Both are members of the 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group at CFB Petawawa, but the charges were laid in civilian court and the case will proceed through the civilian justice system.

The military says during the arrest, the investigative team seized $35,000 worth of crack cocaine, cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as “drug trafficking paraphernalia,” $5,000 in cash and a handgun.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 7, 2024.