RCMP: Pioneering methods targeting dark web drug trafficking secures U.S. conviction

February 5, 2026 - Vancouver, British Columbia
From: Federal Policing Pacific Region

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A British national was convicted in the State of Georgia following a RCMP investigation into a Canadian dark web drug trafficking network that resulted in the overdose deaths of two U.S. navy servicemen 2017.

On January 29, 2026, Paul Anthony Nicholls, 47, of the United Kingdom, who was living in Vancouver in 2017, was convicted of one count of Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances Resulting in Death and one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Death following a 4-day jury trial in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia. 

• See media release by the U.S. Attorney’s Office: Southern District of Georgia | British National Convicted on International Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Charges Linked to the 2017 Deaths of Two Navy Submariners | United States Department of Justice

Nicholls—who overstayed his Visa and was removed following his 2018 arrest by the RCMP—faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years imprisonment for each offence.

Mr. Nicholls’ conviction stems from a 2017 Federal Policing Pacific Region (FPPR) investigation into a dark web drug trafficking network—Canada1—based in the Lower Mainland. 

In response to the growing opioid crisis, RCMP investigators developed a proactive plan to target dark web drug trafficking. 

A team of investigators who had specific talents and interests in developing investigative techniques unique to the dark web and postal systems, was formed. 

E-Plebania was the first investigation to adapt these pioneering methods and after several years, this complex investigation resulted in the conviction of Mr. Nicholls. 

RCMP investigators worked closely with the US Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Kingsland Police Department, and US Food and Drug Administration once those agencies linked the overdose deaths of the servicemen to the dark web network in the Lower Mainland. 

While the RCMP submitted charges to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for the Canadian investigation, through consultation with U.S. authorities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office assumed conduct due to the severity of the offences and the deaths occurring in U.S. jurisdiction. 

During the trial, U.S. prosecution relied heavily on evidence from FPPR’s investigation. Thirteen RCMP employees testified at the trial which included 12 officers and one analyst. They provided detailed testimony, presented evidence and expert analysis that demonstrated the scope of the investigation. 

Quotes

“I want to recognize the outstanding work of our officers, analysts and support staff, who led this complex investigation and provided compelling testimony that resulted in this guilty verdict. Their commitment to pursuing justice across borders, their meticulous attention to detail, their pioneering techniques and their professional expertise in the courtroom exemplify the highest standard of the RCMP and international law enforcement.”

- Gary Mehat, Acting Officer in Charge of Drugs and Organized Crime, RCMP Federal Policing Pacific Region

“This case would not have been possible without the outstanding investigative work you all did on the Canadian side of the border. Your professionalism and dedication resulted in a guilty verdict in a jury trial.”

- James Kejonen, Special Agent - Office of Criminal Investigations, United States Food and Drug Administration

Contacts