RCMP West District GIS and RCMP-RNC JFO and arrest pair, seize drugs

May 29, 2026 - Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

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The RCMP West District General Investigation Section (GIS) and RCMP-RNC Joint Forces Operation (JFO) and arrested two men Thursday evening while conducting checks as part of an ongoing offender management initiative. The investigation will continue with additional charges expected, as officers located and seized drugs and other items during a search. 

On May 28, 2026, officers with the RCMP West District GIS officers conducting an offender management check on 30-year-old Alexander (Sandy) Powell, with the assistance of the RCMP-RNC JFO. Police observed Powell engaging in behaviour consistent with possible drug trafficking activity. 

Powell and a second, unknown man were approached by police and placed under arrest without incident. 

The second man provided officers with a false name, however, identification located during a search of the vehicle confirmed his identity as Travis Byrne, 33. Byrne was the subject of an active Canada-wide arrest warrant and has been transported to the detention centre in Corner Brook. He also faces an additional charge of obstructing a police officer.

A search of the two men and the vehicle resulted in the search and seizure of quantities of suspected cocaine and other drugs, cash and cell phones. 

Powell has been charged with failing to comply with a probation order and was released from custody with conditions. 

The investigation is ongoing, with additional charges anticipated pending the results of a laboratory analysis of the seized drugs. 

Dedicated RCMP offender management initiatives strengthen oversight of those released on court‑imposed conditions. Many of these individuals are repeated offenders, known to police and in their communities, and ensuring they comply with their conditions is a key part of reducing repeat crime and enhancing public safety. Continued monitoring and follow‑up checks also allows police to intervene quickly when conditions are breached, while also recognizing and supporting those who are complying.

If you have information you would like to share with police, please contact your local RCMP detachment. All contact information for RCMP detachments in Newfoundland and Labrador can be found here: https://rcmp.ca/en/nl/detachments.

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