News release

RCMP-RNC Joint Forces Operation West executes warrant at Rocky Harbour home, drugs and prohibited weapons seized

April 2, 2026 - Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

Content

Rocky Harbour RCMP, the RCMP-RNC Joint Forces Operation (JFO) West and RCMP West District General Investigative Section (GIS), arrested two men, ages 56 and 51, during a traffic stop on Wednesday. A related residential search resulted in the seizure of drugs, firearms, prohibited weapons, ammunition and items consistent with drug trafficking.

On April 1, 2026, RCMP-RNC JFO West stopped a vehicle on Pond Road in Rocky Harbour, as part of an ongoing investigation led by Rocky Harbour RCMP. During the stop, officers located and seized quantities of cocaine, unstamped tobacco, a prohibited high-capacity magazine, cash and items consistent with drug trafficking activity.

Officers with the local RCMP detachment, JFO West and West District GIS also executed a search warrant authorized under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act at a residence in Rocky Harbour during the early morning hours of April 2.

That search resulted in the further seizure of a quantity of psilocybin (also known as magic mushrooms), a prohibited assault-style rifle, a firearm suppressor, numerous non-restricted firearms, ammunition, a conducted energy weapon (commonly referred to as a taser), switch blade knifes, and paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking activity.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Harvey Steadman Payne, 56, of Rocky Harbour. He was held in police custody and is expected to appear in court today (Thursday) on charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Criminal Code and the Excise Act including:

• Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Cocaine,
• Trafficking in a controlled substance – Cocaine,
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking – Psilocybin,
• Failure to comply with a firearms prohibition order – two counts,
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon – three counts,
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited device,
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm,
• Unsafe storage of a firearm,
• Unauthorized possession of unstamped tobacco.

The second occupant of the vehicle, a 51-year-old Rocky Harbour man, was released from custody and is expected to appear in court on a future date to answer to charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

The investigation is continuing and further charges are possible.

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

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

Residents in other areas of the province are encouraged to contact their local police detachment to report illegal drug activities.

Contacts