(St. John’s, NL), June 2, 2022 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Drug Investigation Unit (DIU) has seized drugs and made an arrest in connection with a drug trafficking operation in a residential area of downtown St. John’s.
In early April of 2022, the RNC DIU launched an investigation in to an active drug trafficking operation in the downtown area of St. John’s. The crime enterprise was operating at a street level, with negative impact to the safety and wellbeing of residents in the downtown neighbourhood.
As a result of this investigation, on the evening of May 31, 2022, the RNC DIU executed a search warrant on a residence located on Livingstone Street in St. John’s. The officers seized cocaine, crack, a weapon, several items consistent with drug trafficking, and $3100.00 cash. The total amount of cocaine located in the home was 18.9 grams, along with 140.4 grams of crack. The controlled drugs were evidently being sold on the street as points, or hits, in 0.1 gram amounts. This indicates 189 hits of cocaine, and over 1400 hits of crack removed from this downtown community.
A 21-year-old male was arrested at the property on Livingstone Street in connection with the investigation. He has been charged with possession of drugs for the purpose trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime. The accused was held in custody to appear in Provincial Court.
This event followed two previous investigations this month by the RNC DIU, which resulted in seizures of drugs and weapons across the metro region.
On May 6, 2022, the RNC DIU executed two search warrants in St. John’s with the assistance of the RNC Street Crimes Unit and Postal Inspectors with Canada Post. The investigation resulted in the seizure of three kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately $300,000.00. Officers arrested two individuals at the time, a 28-year-old male and a 27-year-old female. The suspects were released with charges pending related to the ongoing investigation.
On May 14, 2022, the RNC DIU executed a search warrant on a residence in the town of Logy Bay – Middle Cove – Outer Cove in connection with an ongoing drug trafficking operation. The investigation resulted in the seizure of a half a kilogram of cocaine, approximately 600 blots of LSD (acid), 500 various prescription pills (including Ritalin, oxycodone and clonazepam), brass knuckles, bear spray, $500.00 cash, and other drug paraphernalia. Investigators have identified a suspect in this matter, and the investigation is ongoing.
The RNC DIU continue to investigate the presence of all levels of drug trafficking throughout our communities, and send gratitude to our many community partners that support our efforts every day.
The RNC request that anyone with information to assist contact the RNC at 729-8000 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.
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File # 2022-15737, 2022-23777, 2022-21489
Cst. James. C. Cadigan #775
Media Relations & Public Communication
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
(709) 729-8658