Labrador District GIS arrests pair after traffic stop results in cocaine seizure

July 29, 2026 - Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador
From: Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP

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The RCMP Labrador District General Investigation Section (GIS) arrested two people Monday night after stopping a prohibited driver and locating suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia in the car. Roy Russell, 45, and Eliza Gregoire, 30, both face charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.

Around 5:30 p.m. on July 27, GIS officers conducting proactive patrols in Happy Valley-Goose Bay observed a vehicle being operated by a known suspended driver. With the assistance of officers from the Happy Valley-Goose Bay detachment and Labrador District Police Dog Services, the vehicle was stopped a short time later. 

The driver of the vehicle, 45-year-old Roy Russell, was arrested without incident for driving while prohibited. During the traffic stop, officers observed suspected cocaine and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle, and the passenger, 30-year-old Eliza Gregoire, was also taken into custody. 

A search of the vehicle resulted in the location and seizure of qualities of suspected cocaine and cash, as well as cell phones and items consistent with drug trafficking activities. 

Both Russell and Gregoire have been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine, and possession of property obtained by crime.

Russell faces two additional charges of driving while prohibited and failure to comply with a probation order. 

The pair were released from custody with conditions and are expected to appear in provincial court in October 2026. 

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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