(ST. JOHN’S, NL), September 14, 2021 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Drug Investigation Unit (DIU) of the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) with support from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of Newfoundland and Labrador (RCMP-NL) have dismantled an organized crime group in the province through their work in Operation Rattle.
In October of 2020, The RNC DIU initiated Operation Rattle in response to public safety concerns related to illicit drug activity within the province. Following the collaborative approach of specialized units within the CID, conventional investigative techniques were deployed, and on September 3, 2021, members of the CID and patrol services executed five Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) searches of residences and vehicles in the Avalon region.
As a result of this extensive investigation, officers seized 10.75 kilograms of cocaine, over $450,000.00 in cash, two money counters, four firearms, ammunition, and two vehicles. To provide context to the scale of the cocaine seizure, the estimated street value of the cocaine seized is over $2,000,000.00.
The vehicles and weapons seized are as follows:
- 2017 Nissan Titan
- 2019 Dodge Durango
- .357 Magnum revolver handgun
- .22 caliber semi-automatic handgun
- Pump action shotgun
- .308 caliber rifle
At this stage, a 37-year-old male from St. John’s and a 25-year-old female from Ontario have been arrested in connection with Operation Rattle. The individuals were released from custody with charges pending in relation to this ongoing investigation.
The RNC would like to recognize the RNC Drug Investigation Unit and all the supporting officers and civilians for this display of professionalism and teamwork in your efforts to promote safe and healthy communities.
Many illegal drugs get cut with different substances by drug traffickers, including fentanyl. Plan and prepare for opioid overdose by carrying a naloxone kit. To find your nearest free naloxone kit call 811 or visit https://www.gov.nl.ca/hcs/naloxonekits/.
The RNC DIU ask that anyone who may have information to assist this investigation, or any other illicit drug related information, contact the RNC at 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.
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RNC File # 2020-52569
Cst. James C. Cadigan, #775
Media Relations Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
Media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
(709) 729-8658