Joint RNC and RCMP Operation Interrupts Firearm Trafficking in Eastern

The RCMP and RNC have made multiple arrests and firearms-related seizures.

On Thursday the RNC Weapons and Drug Enforcement Unit observed two men believed to be involved in firearms trafficking attend a home in Harbour Grace. The individuals left the home with a large duffle bag.

Police then observed 23-year-old Brandon Chafe enter a grey Dodge Charger just before 7:00 p.m. and drive away from the residence. RNC officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop to make an arrest; however, the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. Patrol officers disengaged in the interest of public safety.

Throughout the operation, the RNC were in contact with the RCMP.

Just before 8:30 p.m., the RNC received a report about a suspicious vehicle in the area of Logy Bay Road in St. John’s. Officers responded to the area and located the vehicle. The duffle bag was found. The suspects had left prior to police arrival. Inside the duffle bag, officers found a large quantity of ammunition. The contents of the duffle bag and the grey Dodge Charger have been seized in connection with the investigation.

Chafe was arrested at a residence in Torbay about an hour later. Chafe has been held in custody to appear in Provincial Court on charges of breach of release order, flight from police, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

Chafe had been released on Monday on a release order while awaiting trial on charges laid by the RNC in May of 2024 related to firearms and drug trafficking.

At 4:00 a.m. this morning, Harbour Grace RCMP executed a search warrant at the home of 50-year-old John Byrne in Harbour Grace. Byrne was arrested without incident and police seized ten hand guns, including one 3D printed, folding gun. Police also seized a Bushmaster, .223 caliber, semi-automatic rifle, a large quantity of firearm parts and magazines, soft body armour, approximately 2000+ rounds of ammunition of various calibers, and a large quantity of components to make ammunition.

Byrne currently has in excess of 170 firearms charges before the court, including charges laid in June 2023 by RCMP NL in relation to 3D gun production and a large seizure of firearms and other items, including many 3D printed guns. Byrne is also subject to a lifetime firearm prohibition and release order conditions not to possess firearms and ammunition.

He is scheduled to appear in court today and is charged with a total of 55 additional offences.