RCMP make largest non-pharmaceutical fentanyl seizure in NFL and arrest B.C. man affiliated with organzied crime

RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region, in collaboration with the RCMP-RNC Joint Forces Operation West (JFO West), announced June 21 that made Newfoundland’s largest non-pharmaceutical (illicit) quantity of fentanyl earlier this week on the province’s west coast.

As a result of Project Beamline, Abishake Lohia, 25, who had recently moved to Newfoundland and Labrador from British Columbia was arrested.

“Our collaboration on Project Beamline has resulted in a significant fentanyl seizure that may have prevented deaths in our province,” said Superintendent Stefan Thoms, RCMP Criminal Operations Officer for Federal Policing – Eastern Region.

Likewise, RNC Chief Patrick Roche said this seizure is a significant step in the ongoing efforts against organized crime and drug trafficking in Newfoundland.

Based on drug trafficking intelligence, Project Beamline was initiated and targeted Lohia, who is affiliated with an organized crime group in British Columbia.

On June 18, 2024, as part of the ongoing investigation, police attempted a traffic stop with Lohia, who was driving his vehicle on the Trans-Canada Highway near Pasadena. Lohia initially pulled over for police but then sped away at a high rate of speed. In the interest of public safety, officers did not pursue his vehicle.

Later that day, a warrant to search the Steady Brook residence where Lohia was staying was obtained under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Inside the home officers located three ounces of non-pharmaceutical fentanyl, sixteen ounces of cocaine, half an ounce of crystal methamphetamine, more than $22,000.00 cash, stolen identification, and other items consistent with drug trafficking.

“Any time we stop the distribution of illicit fentanyl to the communities of Newfoundland and Labrador, we are protecting the public from a dangerous substance that is well known to cause deaths,” said Staff Sergeant Dave Emberley, RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region. “A seizure of three ounces of non-pharmaceutical fentanyl is significant and the person responsible is facing multiple charges.”

On June 19, Lohia’s vehicle was located and seized, where it was parked at a commercial property in Deer Lake. Information led officers to a residence in Deer Lake. With assistance of both RCMP and RNC Police Dog Services, Lohia was arrested without further incident on the afternoon of June 19, after he left the residence.

Lohia is charged with trafficking fentanyl, trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl, possession for the purpose of trafficking methamphetamine, possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, dangerous driving, flight from police, and possession of property obtained by crime

Lohia appeared in court in Corner Brook on Thursday, was remanded into custody and is scheduled to attend court again today.

The investigation is continuing.

Fentanyl is a potent opiate that when ingested, even in the smallest amount, can be lethal. Many illegal drugs get cut with different substances by drug traffickers, including fentanyl. Plan and prepare for opioid overdose by carrying a Naloxone kit. Please call 811 to find your nearest location for a free naloxone kit or visit https://www.gov.nl.ca/hcs/naloxonekits/.

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.