BRIMSDEN, Veroche--A traveling carnival has had to close down after more than half its crew was arrested during a raid by federal police Friday.
Federal agents descended on the Country Faire Carnival Friday morning in the small town of Brimsden in northeast Veroche, where it was set to hold a three-day event.
Crown Police raided the carnival after a months-long investigation into a multi-state drug-selling operation.
Authorities say they arrested 22 people--all carnival workers--in connection with the drug growing and selling operation, which the suspects allegedly operated out of camping and semi-truck trailers.
Among those arrested were the manager and assistant manager of the carnival, which is owned by the Wilkonshire-based Jolly-Lasso Entertainment Company.
Police say the carnival employees were growing marijuana in trailers, and selling it at carnival events across the country.
They also were transporting and selling cocaine and ecstasy, according to police.
Customers were often referred to various booths at the carnival, and used code words to indicate they were interested in purchasing, officials say.
Agents had been monitoring the carnival workers for more than six months, and have video and audio recordings of drug sales, according to Agent Sean Smith with the CP.
"This was a very thorough investigation that we had been working on for some time, and we believe we have enough evidence now to shut down this drug operation and get these drugs off the streets," Smith said.
Authorities are most concerned children may have been exposed to the illegal drugs.
"What makes this worse is that it involves children. Kids love the carnival. And parents take their kids to the carnival hoping to have a fun, safe experience. And we have reason to believe that children have been exposed, and possibly have even been sold illegal drugs at carnival events," said Smith.
Police swooped in on the carnival early Friday morning, before it had opened for the day, effectively shutting it down before it began.
Marijuana and other drugs were seized from carnival property, though investigators would not disclose the quantity.
Jolly-Lasso has brought in a separate crew to disassemble the carnival rides.
The company it is conducting its own investigation into the matter, and employees that were not arrested but have been affected by the closure of the carnival will be reassigned to other events.
"The allegations against several of our employees are very troubling and disconcerting. Jolly-Lasso prides itself on providing a fun, family-friendly environment, and we will not tolerate any employee breaking the law, endangering our customers or the general public. We take this matter very seriously and ask for patience as we carry out our own internal investigation into this matter," a statement from the company read.
Federal agents descended on the Country Faire Carnival Friday morning in the small town of Brimsden in northeast Veroche, where it was set to hold a three-day event.
Crown Police raided the carnival after a months-long investigation into a multi-state drug-selling operation.
Authorities say they arrested 22 people--all carnival workers--in connection with the drug growing and selling operation, which the suspects allegedly operated out of camping and semi-truck trailers.
Among those arrested were the manager and assistant manager of the carnival, which is owned by the Wilkonshire-based Jolly-Lasso Entertainment Company.
Police say the carnival employees were growing marijuana in trailers, and selling it at carnival events across the country.
They also were transporting and selling cocaine and ecstasy, according to police.
Customers were often referred to various booths at the carnival, and used code words to indicate they were interested in purchasing, officials say.
Agents had been monitoring the carnival workers for more than six months, and have video and audio recordings of drug sales, according to Agent Sean Smith with the CP.
"This was a very thorough investigation that we had been working on for some time, and we believe we have enough evidence now to shut down this drug operation and get these drugs off the streets," Smith said.
Authorities are most concerned children may have been exposed to the illegal drugs.
"What makes this worse is that it involves children. Kids love the carnival. And parents take their kids to the carnival hoping to have a fun, safe experience. And we have reason to believe that children have been exposed, and possibly have even been sold illegal drugs at carnival events," said Smith.
Police swooped in on the carnival early Friday morning, before it had opened for the day, effectively shutting it down before it began.
Marijuana and other drugs were seized from carnival property, though investigators would not disclose the quantity.
Jolly-Lasso has brought in a separate crew to disassemble the carnival rides.
The company it is conducting its own investigation into the matter, and employees that were not arrested but have been affected by the closure of the carnival will be reassigned to other events.
"The allegations against several of our employees are very troubling and disconcerting. Jolly-Lasso prides itself on providing a fun, family-friendly environment, and we will not tolerate any employee breaking the law, endangering our customers or the general public. We take this matter very seriously and ask for patience as we carry out our own internal investigation into this matter," a statement from the company read.
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