Following the execution of a search warrant at a Corner Brook residence in the early hours of February 23, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), the RCMP-RNC JFO West arrested 42-year-old Owen Barnes and seized multiple items from the residence, including the following:
- A quantity of cocaine and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
- Large quantity of prescription pills
- Taser/Stun gun
- Brass knuckles
- A stolen 65-inch television
JFO West was assisted by members of RNC Patrol Services and the Corner Brook RCMP Detachment in the execution of the search warrant and arrest.
Barnes, who is already before the court on drug-related and prohibited weapon charges, is now facing the following additional seven charges:
- Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking
Section 5(2) of the CDSA
- Possession of apo-methylphenidate for the purpose of trafficking
Section 5(2) of the CDSA
- Possession of methylphenidate for the purpose of trafficking
Section 5(2) of the CDSA
- Possession of LSD for the purpose of trafficking
Section 5(2) of the CDSA
- Possession of a prohibited weapon, two counts
Section 91(3) of the Criminal Code (CC)
- Possession of stolen property not exceeding $5000
Section 354(1)(a) CC
Barnes was held in custody for court, appeared in court yesterday and has been released on multiple conditions. He will appear in court again in March, 2023. The investigation is ongoing.
JFO West, which includes dedicated police officers from both the RCMP and RNC, targets drug trafficking and organized crime on the west coast of the province.