RCMP and HRP arrests man wanted for firearms offences
The RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment (HRD) Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU), in partnership with the Halifax Regional Police (HRP) Quick Response Unit (QRU), has arrested a man wanted for firearms offences.
On February 18, at approximately 3:35 p.m., police arrested Shawn Thomas Peters on Maple Dr. in Dartmouth after receiving information about his whereabouts. Peters had been wanted on an arrest warrant since 2020 for firearms offences and had been evading police. He was taken into custody without incident.
Officers executed a search warrant at a residence on Maple Dr., where they seized a loaded handgun, a second handgun with three prohibited magazines, a rifle, and various ammunition.
Peters, 34, of Dartmouth, was already facing the following 2020 charges:
- Contravening Firearm Storage/Handling/Transport Regulations
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
- Possession of Weapon Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
- Possession of Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
- Possessing a Firearm While Prohibited.
He’s now facing additional charges of:
- Unsafe Handling of a Firearm (three counts)
- Unsafe Storage Contrary to Regulations (three counts)
- Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose (three counts)
- Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (three counts)
- Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Device (six counts)
- Possession of a Firearm Knowing it is Unauthorized (three counts)
- Possession of a Prohibited Device Knowing it is Unauthorized (six counts)
- Possession of a Prohibited or Restricted Firearm with Ammunition (three counts)
- Possession of a Firearm Obtained by the Commission of an Offence (three counts)
- Possession Contrary to Firearm Prohibition Order (ten counts).
Peters appeared in Dartmouth Provincial Court on February 19 and remains in custody pending his next scheduled court appearance on February 25.
-Newcomers disproportionately affected by labour trafficking in Nova Scotia
The Nova Scotia RCMP is warning that labour trafficking is an emerging and under‑reported issue in the province, as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day approaches on February 22.
Investigators have identified cases where people were deceived or coerced into working in conditions far different from what they were promised, with newcomers among those most affected.
“Our mix of industries and seasonal employment can create conditions where people are more vulnerable to exploitation,” says Sgt. Jeff MacFarlane. “For some individuals, language barriers, transportation issues, or concerns about their job or immigration status can make it difficult to ask for help.”
Traffickers may exploit these vulnerabilities by lying about pay or duties, using threats, withholding passports and other documentation, creating false debts, or restricting movement.
Temporary workers can face added risks because they may be isolated, unfamiliar with Canadian labour standards, or limited by the terms of their work permits.
“All workers in Canada are protected under law,” says Sgt. MacFarlane. “Employers can’t threaten deportation or interfere with a person’s legal status, and every worker deserves safety and fair treatment. Employers, community organizations, service providers, and neighbours are essential partners in identifying exploitation and helping people access support.”
Signs that someone is being trafficked for labour can include:
- workers being transported to and from job sites in groups with little freedom of movement
- individuals living in overcrowded or employer‑controlled housing
- workers who appear fearful, withdrawn, or unable to speak freely
- people working excessive or unusual hours without breaks
Anyone who believes they may be experiencing labour trafficking, or who has concerns about someone else, can call or text the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Hotline at 902‑449‑2425 for victim-centred, confidential support. Workers don’t need to be certain that trafficking is occurring before reaching out, and they can speak with police at any time without needing to decide immediately whether to participate in the full investigative or court process.
-RCMP charges Ontario man with trafficking a foreign national in Nova Scotia
The RCMP Provincial Human Trafficking Unit has charged an Ontario man in connection with a labour-related human trafficking investigation in Church Point.
In July 2025, Digby RCMP Detachment received a report that a foreign national in Canada on a temporary status was being exploited for labour at a business in Digby County. The detachment engaged the RCMP Provincial Human Trafficking Unit, which led the investigation.
Officers determined that, over the course of a year, the victim worked excessive hours. During that time, he received a total of $300 in financial compensation, was coerced into performing additional duties, and was threatened.
Following the investigation, officers arrested 65‑year‑old Trevor Anthony Annon of southern Ontario. He’s been charged with the following offences:
- Trafficking in Persons
- Receive Financial or Material Benefit
- False Pretense
- Extortion
Annon has also been charged with Fraud Under $5,000 in relation to another victim.
He was remanded into custody and appeared in Digby Provincial Court on February 19.
“The investigative team wants to acknowledge the support the YMCA’s Migrant Worker Awareness Partnership Project offers victims,” says Sgt. Jeff MacFarlane of the RCMP’s Provincial Human Trafficking Unit. “Partnerships with community groups across the province are critical to the success of human trafficking investigations, and the YMCA was particularly valuable in this case.”
Anyone who believes they may be experiencing forced labour, or who has concerns about someone else, can contact their local police or call or text the Nova Scotia Human Trafficking Hotline at 902‑449‑2425 for victim-centred, confidential support. Workers don’t need to be certain that trafficking is occurring before reaching out, and they can speak with police at any time without needing to decide immediately whether to participate in the full investigative or court process.
