RCMP NL announces charges related to drugs and firearms stemming from Operation barc

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Newfoundland and Labrador have announced that they have laid a series of charges against seven individuals as a result of Operation Barcode, which targeted an organized crime network involved in drug trafficking and other offenses. The investigation led to the execution of search warrants at five properties in August 2024.

The accused individuals are facing various charges under the Criminal Code, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, Excise Act, and Revenue Administration Act. The charges range from flight from police to possession for the purpose of trafficking in different drugs, such as oxycodone, cocaine, MDMA, and hydromorphone. Additionally, some individuals are charged with the unlawful distribution, possession, and conspiracy to traffic unstamped tobacco products, as well as the possession of contraband and non-duty-paid packaged alcohol.

The accused individuals include:

1. Ryan Powell, 41, of Bunyan's Cove, NL: Charged with flight from police, careless storage of a firearm, possession of property obtained by crime, multiple counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking various drugs, unlawful distribution of unstamped tobacco products, unlawful possession of contraband, and possession of non-duty-paid packaged alcohol. His first court appearance is scheduled for October 2, 2025.

2. Melanie Powell, 42, of Bunyan's Cove, NL: Charged with careless storage of a firearm, possession of property obtained by crime, possession for the purpose of trafficking oxycodone and cocaine, and unlawful possession of unstamped tobacco products. She is also set to appear in court on October 2, 2025.

3. Tony Hobbs, 50, of Lethbridge, NL: Charged with trafficking cocaine, conspiracy to traffic cocaine, unlawful distribution and possession of unstamped tobacco products, and unlawful possession of contraband. His first court appearance is September 25, 2025.

4. Bernard Hobbs, 54, of Bunyan's Cove, NL: Charged with trafficking cocaine and conspiracy to traffic unstamped tobacco products. His first court appearance is also September 25, 2025.

5. Ashley Clay Holloway, 49, and Terrilynn Holloway, 42, both of Bloomfield, NL: Both are charged with careless storage of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, multiple counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking various drugs, unlawful possession of unstamped tobacco products, unlawful possession of contraband, and possession of non-duty-paid packaged alcohol. They will appear in court on October 16, 2025.

6. Michael Butt, 42, of Lethbridge, NL: Charged with unlawful possession of unstamped tobacco products and unlawful possession of contraband. His first appearance is October 9, 2025.

The operation involved the seizure of firearms, drugs, contraband tobacco, and cash. The RCMP's East District General Investigation Section is continuing the investigation with help from the Forensic Accounting Management Group (FAMG), and further charges may be laid. The RCMP was also assisted by officers from various detachments, Traffic Services, Police Dog Services, Federal Policing Eastern Region, and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.