BUDLEDEC FIRST NATION, NS – A recent RCMP raid on a cannabis shop located on Budledec First Nation has ignited tensions, prompting community members to block a highway and resulting in several damaged vehicles, CBC News reported Thursday.

According to the broadcast, police executed a search warrant, seizing cannabis products and arresting two individuals. Residents reported that RCMP officers arrived with guns drawn, traumatizing children. Kenny Basque, whose son owns the shop, stated he was arrested but has since been released without charges and the shop has reopened. He asserts he was exercising treaty rights.

Community members blocked a highway in protest, stranding police vehicles. The Maudis, local residents, reported damage to their cars during the protest. While some community members expressed concerns about the RCMP’s approach, one band councillor acknowledged a previously positive relationship with the force.

Nova Scotia’s Justice Minister stated the province is willing to discuss the issue with First Nations representatives but affirmed that the Cannabis Act remains the law of the land. Premier Tim Houston criticized the highway blockade, stating it undermined public safety and the rule of law.

Forced Labour Allegations at BYD Plant

CBC News also reported on allegations of forced labour at a new BYD electric vehicle plant in Hungary. The allegations stem from an investigation by China Labour Watch, a New York-based non-profit. The investigation, based on interviews with 50 workers, alleges seven-day work weeks, excessive hours, delayed wages, and unsafe working conditions. A worker death at the site in February also raised safety concerns.

The findings have been shared with Hungarian authorities, and CBC News has reached out to BYD for comment without receiving a response. The Border Services Agency confirmed intercepting and detaining shipments of car parts suspected of being made with forced labour in 2023, but the shipments were returned to China.

Stolen Car Export Ring in Montreal

An investigation by CBC News revealed a network of Montreal-based businesses allegedly involved in shipping stolen cars overseas. Police raided a warehouse in Saint Laurent in July 2024, discovering stolen vehicles being loaded onto shipping containers. The warehouse was reportedly operated by Albert Chiyoyo, who owns a mattress company, C&N Matla Express, and has not been charged with any crimes.

Freight forwarders interviewed by CBC News stated Montreal is a hub for stolen car exports, with exporters offering high prices for shipments. While the names of the companies involved are being withheld to protect sources, the investigation uncovered evidence of over a dozen companies allegedly involved in the scheme. Police are continuing their investigation.