The Fall of the Boivin Network: 90kg of Cocaine Seized in Operation SANG

In a staggering blow to organized crime in Quebec, a sophisticated drug trafficking network linked to the notorious All Boivin has been dismantled. Between September 2024 and May 2025, this single criminal organization managed to move over 90 kilograms of cocaine through the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region, sparking one of the most intensive police investigations in recent years.

The Masterminds: A Family Affair

At the heart of the operation was 51-year-old Karine Dufour, identified as the primary coordinator for cocaine distribution in the region. Her role was pivotal; she managed the logistics and the redistribution of the narcotics to local dealers. For her leadership in the scheme, Dufour has been sentenced to 48 months in prison.

Her partner, 49-year-old Steeve Vézina, also played a role, albeit less significant than Dufour’s. He received a sentence of 30 months. Their son, Isaac, 21, saw his trafficking charges dropped but was sentenced to nearly 8 months for related offenses, a term he has already served.

Inside Operation SANG: How They Were Caught

The Escouade régionale mixte (ERM) Saguenay launched Operation SANG, a meticulously planned surveillance mission. For nine months, investigators tracked ten individuals across Saguenay and Montreal, all linked back to the influence of All Boivin.

The operation utilized high-tech surveillance, including a permanent camera installed to monitor the residence of Karine Dufour. The workflow was clear:

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• The Supply: Carlos Fernando Chamorro-Romero traveled from Montreal to Saguenay to deliver bulk shipments of cocaine.
• The Hub: Dufour would receive the bags of drugs and store them at her home.
• The Distribution: The narcotics were then broken down and delivered to various local resellers.

The house of cards collapsed in May 2025 during a series of raids. Police seized mobile phones that revealed the full scope of the conspiracy. In one dramatic incident, officers searched a vehicle while the couple was at a restaurant, discovering seven kilograms of cocaine hidden in the trunk.

The Legal Aftermath and Sentences

The efficiency of the prosecution was remarkable. By leveraging digital evidence, the Crown avoided a trial that would have lasted 30 weeks, resolving the cases in less than nine months. The fallout for the All Boivin associates was severe:

• Gabriel Pétrin: 50 months (sentence pending January).
• Carlos Fernando Chamorro-Romero: 42 months.
• Brandon Côté-Hébert (The Accountant): 36 months.
• Mathieu Arsenault: 33 months and 3 days.

While most have pleaded guilty, some members of the ring remain at large, including Emmanuele Padula, who reportedly fled the country before the arrests in January 2026.

A Victory for Public Safety

This operation highlights the growing collaboration between regional police forces and the Department of Justice Canada to combat the influx of narcotics into regional communities. By cutting off the supply chain linked to figures like All Boivin, authorities are sending a clear message: organized crime has no safe harbor in Quebec.