(St. John’s, NL), September 15, 2023 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) made arrests, also seizing firearms and illicit drugs, following the search of a downtown St. John’s property on Thursday.
The RNC Drug Investigation Unit (DIU) launched an investigation into street-level drug trafficking and weapons offences in St. John’s on Tuesday (Sept. 12). On Thursday (Sept. 14), members of the RNC DIU, with assistance from RNC Operational Patrol Services, conducted a judicially authorized search of a property on Merrymeeting Road in St. John’s in connection with the investigation. Three individuals were taken into custody at the scene as officers executed the search.
A search of the property resulted in the seizure of a loaded sawed-off shotgun, a handgun style BB gun, over $4000.00 cash, three cell phones, a quantity of potential Oxy Codone, and 25 ounces of cocaine. This amount of cocaine would result in a street value of approximately $70,000.00 when sold by the gram or point.
Three individuals have been charged in connection with investigation:
Zwelakhe MHLONGO, 40-year-old from Ontario
- Breach of firearm prohibition order
- Possession of a firearm with knowledge possession is unauthorized
Candice NEMBHARD, 31-years-old from Ontario
- Possession of a firearm with knowledge possession is unauthorized
Tyler CANNON, 43-year-old from St. John’s, NL
- Breach of firearm prohibition
- Possession of a firearm with knowledge possession is unauthorized
- Breach of probation order
The accused individuals were held in custody to appear in Provincial Court. The investigation is ongoing, with further weapons and drug-related charges pending.
The RNC is asking that anyone with information to assist this investigation contact the RNC at 709-729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). You can now provide information anonymously on the NL Crime Stoppers Website at www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app #SayItHere
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File # 2023-53981
Cst. James. C. Cadigan #775
Media Relations & Public Communication
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca