RNC makes seizures and charges man with firearms and drug trafficking offences

(St. John’s, NL) September 3, 2024 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) have charged a man in connection with assault, drug trafficking and firearms offences after responding to a stabbing in St. John’s.

At approximately 6:40 p.m. on Sunday (September 1), RNC Operational Patrol Services responded to a report of an injured man in the area of Lemarchant Road. On arrival, officers located a man with injuries consistent with a stabbing. The 36-year-old man was taken to the hospital to seek medical attention where he was treated and released.

Shortly after 9 p.m., patrol officers located a man believed to be responsible for the assault near an apartment complex in the downtown area. The 39-year-old man was taken into custody, at which time officers located the following items:

• A 0.22LR Calibre handgun

• Multiple bags of cocaine, totaling 619.50 grams

• $6,640.50 in Canadian currency

• Other drug trafficking materials

The RNC Weapons and Drug Enforcement Unit (WDEU) and Criminal Investigation Division (CID) were engaged to continue the investigation, and on Sunday (September 2) a search warrant was executed on a residence at the downtown apartment complex. Investigators seized the following items:

• Multiple pellet guns

• Shotgun ammunition

• 0.22 calibre ammunition

• Multiple pieces of body armour

• A bag of 24 percocet pills

• Other drug trafficking materials

The accused, 39-year-old Stephen Clowe of St. John’s, was held in custody to appear in Provincial Court in relation to the following charges:

• Two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking

• Two counts of possession of property obtained by crime

• Aggravated assault

• Assault with a weapon

• Careless use of a firearm

• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

• Carrying a concealed weapon

• Unauthorized firearm possession

• Possession of a firearm knowing it is unauthorized

• Possession of an altered firearm

• Three counts of Breach of firearm prohibition

Anyone with information to assist the investigation is asked to contact the RNC at 709-729-8000. To report anonymously, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com.