Following the execution of search warrants at a home in St. Anthony and another in Goose Cove on January 12, 2025, three individuals, two men and one woman, were arrested by St. Anthony RCMP. Forty-three-year-old Ryan Ricks of St. Anthony is charged with numerous criminal offences. The two other individuals remain under investigation.
At approximately 1:00 a.m., RCMP officers with St. Anthony, Roddickton and Port Saunders Detachments, as well as RCMP Police Dog Services, simultaneously executed the search warrants, authorized under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, at a home on Cabot Street in St. Anthony and a home on Main Road in Goose Cove.
Upon entry into the St. Anthony home, officers located Ricks actively discarding suspected cocaine. Bags with cocaine residue were located and seized and Ricks was arrested. During the search, officers located and seized a quantity of cash and an elaborate piece of jewellery believed to be proceeds of crime, ammunition, drug paraphernalia and items consistent with drug trafficking.
Ricks attended court on January 12, 2025, and was remanded into custody. He is charged with the following criminal offences:
- Trafficking cocaine
- Possession of proceeds obtained by crime over $5000.00
- Possession of ammunition while prohibited
Inside the Goose Cove residence, police located and seized approximately 30 grams of cocaine and other items consistent with drug trafficking. A 59-year-old man and 53-year-old woman arrested at the property and were released from custody. The investigation is continuing with charges anticipated.
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.