Meritorious Service Medal
- Awarded on: May 9, 2000
- Invested on: September 15, 2000
RCMP Sergeant (Ret’d) Joseph Gabriel Simon Marion, M.S.M., Bramalea, Ont.
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)
From April 1993 to October 1996, Sgt Marion took a leading role in a drug investigation known as Project Overtrick. During the investigation, Sgt Marion established contact with the suspects without the aid of an informant, a risky method that almost shut down the investigation. However, thanks to Sgt Marion’s tenacity and persuasive arguments, Project Overtrick continued to fruition resulting in the arrest of seven suspects in two countries and the seizure of 75 kilograms of heroin, the largest seizure of the drug in Canadian history. The successful conclusion of this investigation would not have been possible without Sgt Marion's dedication, commitment and perseverance. His contribution has helped to curtail the flow of drugs into Canadian and foreign societies.