SUSPECTED COCAINE FOUND DURING TRAFFIC STOP

(July 29th)

Two people are facing drug trafficking-related charges after RCMP officers stopped a prohibited driver and seized suspected cocaine during a traffic stop in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

According to the RCMP, officers with the Labrador District General Investigation Section (GIS) were conducting proactive patrols at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 27, when they observed a vehicle being driven by a known suspended driver.

With assistance from officers from the Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP detachment and Labrador District Police Dog Services, the vehicle was stopped a short time later.

The driver, 45-year-old Roy Russell, was arrested without incident for driving while prohibited. During the traffic stop, officers observed suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. The passenger, 30-year-old Eliza Gregoire, was also arrested.

A search of the vehicle led to the seizure of quantities of suspected cocaine, cash, cell phones, and other items believed to be consistent with drug trafficking activities.

Russell and Gregoire have each been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

Russell also faces two additional charges of driving while prohibited and failing to comply with a probation order.

Both individuals were released from custody with conditions and are scheduled to appear in provincial court in October 2026.

The RCMP noted that cocaine is a leading cause of overdose deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador. Police advise that naloxone is not effective in treating a cocaine overdose and urge anyone who suspects someone is overdosing on cocaine to seek immediate medical attention.