News release

RCMP-RNC Joint Forces Operation West arrest trio after cocaine seizure in Deer Lake

February 5, 2026 - Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

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RCMP-RNC Joint Forces Operation (JFO) West arrested three people after searches of a car and a Deer Lake home resulted in the seizure of more than one kilogram of suspected cocaine. Zuhayr Ali and two youths have been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. 

On Wednesday, February 4 around 2:30 p.m., officers with the JFO West, West District General Investigation Section (GIS) and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary conducted a traffic stop near Corner Brook as part of an ongoing investigation. Two occupants of the car were taken into custody without incident. A short time later, Deer Lake RCMP also arrested a man in the community of Deer Lake.

On February 5th, 2026, JFO West members executed a search warrant authorized under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act at a home in Deer Lake, with the assistance of RCMP West GIS and Deer Lake RCMP.

Searches during the traffic stop and at the residence resulted in the seizure of: 

• More than one kilogram of suspected cocaine
• Cell phones
• A quantity of cash 
• Materials consistent with drug trafficking activity 

Zuhayr Ali, 29, of British Columbia and two youths, both of Alberta, have been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. 

All three are being held in custody and are expected to appear in Corner Brook Provincial Court today (Thursday). 

The investigation is ongoing, with additional charges possible. 

JFO West, which includes dedicated police officers from both the RCMP and RNC, targets drug trafficking and organized crime on the west coast of the province. 

If you are a resident on the province’s west coast and you suspect there is drug trafficking in your neighbourhood, JFO West wants to talk with you.  You can remain anonymous while speaking directly with a police officer by contacting the JFO West designated drug line at (709) 637-4221.     

Cocaine is a 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.

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