Sheshatshiu RCMP arrest man after foot pursuit; cocaine seized and charges laid

July 25, 2025 - Sheshatshiu, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

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Sheshatshiu RCMP arrested a man and seized a quantity of cocaine after a brief foot pursuit through the community Wednesday evening.

On July 23, at approximately 7:15 p.m., officers with the Sheshatshiu RCMP attempted to arrest 23-year-old Benjamin Gregoire — who was known to police — for failure to comply with conditions previously imposed by the courts and set out in a Release Order.

Gregoire failed to comply with police commands and fled on foot. A pursuit ensued, and ended with Gregoire being taken into police custody without further incident.

During his arrest, police located and seized a quantity of cocaine, consistent with possession for the purpose of drug trafficking.

Gregoire was held in police custody. He appeared in court yesterday, July 24, to answer to the following charges under the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act:

• Failure to comply with a condition of a release order;
• Resist/obstruct a Peace Officer;
• Possession of a controlled substance, namely cocaine;
• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking;

Gregoire was released by the courts, and is expected to appear in court again at a later date. The investigation is continuing.

In April 2025, RCMP NL alerted the public that cocaine is the current leading cause of overdose deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador.  Naloxone is ineffective in combatting cocaine overdose.  If you suspect someone is overdosing on cocaine, immediately seek medical attention.

RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

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