Four people have been arrested following raids that yielded drugs, guns and a luxury vehicle yesterday in the metro region.
The busts were carried out shortly after noon Tuesday at two separate locations, including an extended-stay hotel on Lemarchant Road in St. John’s.
Police say they seized about two kilograms of cocaine, a prohibited nine-millimetre (assault) semi-automatic rifle loaded with a 30-round magazine, as well as other ammunition, gold and other jewelry, and a 2020 Land Rover Discovery. They also found a large amount of cash but did not say how much.
The investigation dates back to October 10 and was triggered by tips from the community.
To date about 20 charges have been laid against 34-year-old Bradley Wadden and 33-year-old Raquel Sonier, both of St. John’s.
But police expect more to come, with charges also pending against two other people yet to be named.
Wadden and Sonier remain in custody pending appearances in Provincial Court.
Police say any other tips can be forwarded to them or Crimestoppers.
Bradley WADDEN, 34 of St. John’s
- Trafficking in a controlled substance (cocaine)
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance (cocaine)
- Careless use, storage, handling of a firearm
- Breach of firearms regulations
- Possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of weapons contrary to prohibition order
- Possession of property obtained by crime.
Raquel SONIER, 33 of St. John’s
- Trafficking in a controlled substance.
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance
- Careless use, storage, handling of a firearm
- Breach of firearms regulations
- Two counts of possession of a weapon for dangerous purpose
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of weapons contrary to prohibition order
- Possession of property obtained by crime.
