RCMP Federal Policing - Eastern Region executes warrant on Cashin Avenue home and arrests two individuals, drugs and firearms seized

In continuing with drug enforcement in Newfoundland and Labrador, RCMP Federal Policing - Eastern Region, with the assistance of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, searched a home on Cashin Avenue in St. John's yesterday. Two individuals, 43-year-old Christa Hollett and 38-year-old Rodrigues Ryan, were arrested and charged.

At approximately 6:00 p.m. on January 9, 2025, as part of an ongoing RCMP investigation, police officers with the RCMP, including the Emergency Response Team and Police Dog Services, and RNC, including the Tactical Response Unit and Police Dog Service, attended the home. A warrant to search the property, authorized under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, was executed. The home was breached using the RCMP Tactical Armoured Vehicle and CS gas (tear gas) was deployed upon entry.

Hollett was taken into custody without incident while Ryan exited the rear of the residence, fled on foot and was apprehended a short distance away by Police Dog Services.

Inside the home, police located and seized the following items:

• A quantity of suspected fentanyl
• A quantity of cocaine
• A quantity of oxycodone
• A quantity of morphine
• A quantity of methadone
• A quantity of methylphenidate
• A quantity of clonazepam
• A rifle
• Ammunition
• Pepper spray
• A quantity of prohibited weapons, including brass knuckles, a stun gun and a switchblade knife

Both of the accused appear in court today. Hollett and Ryan are each prohibited from the possession of firearms and weapons. At the time of his arrest, Ryan was on parole with an outstanding arrest warrant.

As a result of this investigation, 54 charges have been laid against Hollett and 76 charges have been laid against Ryan, all of which fall within the following list of criminal offences:

• Possession of oxycodone for the purpose of trafficking.
• Possession of morphine for the purpose of trafficking.
• Possession of methadone for the purpose of trafficking.
• Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
• Possession of methylphenidate for the purpose of trafficking.
• Possession of clonazepam for the purpose of trafficking cocaine.
• Unsafe storage of a firearm
• Storage of prohibited weapon in breach of regulations.
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm.
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon.
• Possession of a firearm knowing possession is unauthorized.
• Possession of a prohibited device knowing possession is unauthorized.
• Possession of a firearm obtained by crime.
• Possession of a firearm with the serial number removed.
• Possession of a firearm contrary to a court order.

The investigation is continuing with further charges anticipated.

RCMP Federal Policing - Eastern Region targets criminal activity involving national security, transnational and serious organized crime and cybercrime throughout the entire province of Newfoundland and Labrador.