RNC seize contraband cigarettes and cocaine in trafficking investigation

The RNC has charged a St. John’s man with trafficking following a significant seizure of contraband cigarettes, cocaine, and other illicit drugs.

The investigation involved the search of a home and two vehicles in St. John’s, and two storage lockers in Mount Pearl. The RNC Tactics and Rescue Unit with the help of the RCMP Emergency Response Team contained and cleared the properties late yesterday afternoon and arrested three men at a service station in Mount Pearl without incident.

The three-month long investigation resulted in the seizure of:

• 12,100 cartons of contraband cigarettes with a street value of over $1 million

• 8.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine

• 23 kilograms of hash

• 12 kilograms of illicit pills believed to be ecstasy and MDMA

• Vapes and gummies

• 184 lbs of cannabis

• A revolver

• Ammunition

• Brass knuckles

• $17,290 cash

• And other drug paraphernalia

Rylie Nightingale, 23, will appear in court today on charges of:

• Careless use of firearm

• Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose

• Two counts of unauthorized possession of a restricted or prohibited weapon

• Trafficking of controlled substances

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking

• Unsafe storage of a firearm

• Two counts of possession of a weapon knowing it is unauthorized

• Possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition

• Possession of a weapon obtained by commission of offence

The two other men were released with charges pending. The investigation is ongoing.