(ST. JOHN’S, NL), October 1, 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 made another large seizure of cocaine on the Avalon Peninsula.
The RNC DIU initiated an investigation last week in connection with suspicion of illicit drug trafficking in St. John’s. On Thursday, September 23, 2021, investigators completed two Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) searches in the capital city. As a result, the RNC DIU seized 13 kilograms of uncut cocaine, two cell phones, and approximately $3500.00. The street level value of the cocaine seized is approximately $2,600,000.00.
With this seizure of cocaine last week, the RNC DIU have seized over 47 kilograms of cocaine in the last ten months. By breaking this amount of uncut illicit drugs down to its projected use at the street level, it can be estimated that these seizures prevented almost a half million uses of cocaine. This estimate would be prior to the addition of cutting agents, which would multiply the volume of the cocaine by two to four times.
At this stage, a 44-year-old male from British Columbia has been arrested in connection with the seizure. He was released from custody with charges pending in relation to this ongoing investigation.
Many illegal drugs get cut with different substances by drug traffickers, including fentanyl. If you or someone you know is using illicit drugs, plan and prepare for opioid overdose by carrying a naloxone kit. To find the 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 # 2020-51560
Cst. James C. Cadigan, #775
Media Relations Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
Media@rnc.gov.nl.ca
(709) 729-8658
