RCMP in Newfoundland and Labrador are welcoming another conviction in relation to a two-and-a-half year investigation to disrupt drug and human trafficking.

Erik Mello, who was 25 years old when he was charged with trafficking in cocaine almost three years ago, pleaded guilty last month in a St. John’s court. He was given an 18-month conditional sentence, and a ten-year firearm prohibition. As well, his DNA profile will be stored in the National DNA Data Bank.

Mello is the second person charged in Project Badminton to enter a guilty plea. Two years ago, Dominic Delisle was sentenced to seven years for charges related to guns and drugs, and receiving financial benefit from sexual services.

RCMP Inspector Dave Emberley says the force is committed to investigating and disrupting the work of organized crime networks across the province and beyond.

Project Badminton was an effort involving the RCMP-RNC Joint Force Operation West and the RNC.