Seventeen individuals, between the ages of 21-52, have been charged with drug trafficking as a result of Project Beehive, an investigation conducted by RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region, with assistance from Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Sheshatshiu RCMP detachments.
Project Beehive began 11 months ago and focused on drug trafficking between the communities of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Sheshatshiu. Other resources involved in the investigation include RCMP NL's Emergency Response Team and RCMP Police Dog Services, who assisted with a number of arrests and searches of residential properties.
As a part of this investigation, for the first time in the province, a quantity of Nitazene, a highly toxic synthetic opioid, which is approximately 25 times more potent than fentanyl, was seized. The tablets, which were blue in color and were inscribed a "M" on one side and "30" on the other, closely resembled oxycodone pills. In September, 2024, a laboratory analysis determined the presence of Nitazene and RCMP NL issued a public advisory warning of the presence of this dangerous substance. An image of Nitazene tablets is attached.
"Our police officers work diligently in the battle against drugs in the communities we serve for the safety and protection of all residents," said Assistant Commissioner Pat Cahill. "Charges laid against 17 individuals as a result of Project Beehive should send a strong message to those involved in the drug trade. The presence of Nitazene in our communities is concerning and our officers will continue to work at disrupting supplies of all dangerous and illegal drugs coming into Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Sheshatshiu and the surrounding area."
Search warrants were executed at three homes in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and a residence in Sheshatshiu between November 14-15, 2024. Multiple items were seized during Project Beehive including:
- More than 200 grams of cocaine
- A quantity of crack cocaine
- Protonitazepyne (nitazene) pills, resembling legitimate oxycodone pills
- Quantities of methamphetamine in both tablet and crystal forms
- A number of morphine tablets
- 17 grams of heroin
- A quantity of LSD (acid)
- A quantity of methadone
- Drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking
- Brass knuckles
- Approximately $10,000 in Canadian currency
The cocaine seized during Project Beehive was of very high purity (94-96%) and readily was available within these communities. Cocaine of this level of purity is highly toxic and exceptionally dangerous to drug users.
"Project Beehive focussed on street-level drug activity in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Sheshatshiu, which is tied to organized crime. Our mandate is to disrupt organized crime groups that bring illegal and dangerous drugs into Newfoundland and Labrador." said Superintendent Stefan Thoms of RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region. "The number of individuals charged with drug trafficking offences as a result of Project Beehive is certainly a success and shows the dedication of our investigators. The public can expect to see more of this type of work throughout the province."
The seventeen people charged under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act are from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Sheshatshiu, Natuashish and Rigolet. Warrants of arrest have been issued for a number of these individuals. Those who have been arrested and charged include:
Kristopher Bird, age 26, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
- Five counts of trafficking cocaine
- One count of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
- One count of possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine
Matthew Blake, age 27, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
- Two counts of trafficking morphine
- One count of trafficking N-Pyrrolidino Protonitazene (Nitazene)
- One count of trafficking methadone
- One count of trafficking LSD (acid)
Tia Bourque, age 29, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
- Six counts of trafficking cocaine
Curtis Coombs, age 32, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
- Three counts of trafficking cocaine
Keith Learning, age 35, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
- One count of trafficking cocaine
Jody Blake, age 51, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
- Two counts of trafficking cocaine
- One count of trafficking LSD (acid)
Corey Everard, age 52, of Happy Valley- Goose Bay.
- Three counts of trafficking cocaine
Jeremy Andrew, age 39, of Sheshatshiu.
- Three counts of trafficking cocaine
- One count of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
Davianna Gregoire, age 21, of Sheshatshiu.
- One count of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
Each of these individuals will appear in court at later dates.
Arrest warrants have been issued for the following charged individuals:
Clinton Simms, age 29, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
- Two counts of trafficking cocaine
- One count of trafficking morphine
William Obed, age 30, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
- One count of trafficking cocaine
Scott Morrissey, age 44, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
- One count of trafficking cocaine
Selena Montague, age 49, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
- One count of trafficking cocaine
Shinapest Penunsi, age 26, of Sheshatshiu.
- One count of possession for the purpose of trafficking
Mario Penunsi, age 24, of Sheshatshiu.
- One count of possession for the purpose of trafficking
Jasmine Gregoire, age 22, of Natuashish.
- One count of trafficking cocaine
Jobe Michellin, age 34, of Rigolet.
- Three counts of trafficking cocaine
The investigation is continuing. Additional charges are anticipated against a number of other individuals.
RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Many illegal drugs get cut with different substances by drug traffickers, including fentanyl. Plan and prepare for opioid overdose by carrying a Naloxone kit. Please call 811 to find your nearest location for a free naloxone kit or visit https://www.gov.nl.ca/hcs/naloxonekits/.