Police find largest fentanyl seizure ever in NL at a search on a Steady Brook home, B.C man charged

Police found three ounces of non-pharmaceutical fentanyl, sixteen ounces of cocaine, half an ounce of crystal methamphetamine, more than $22,000.00 cash, stolen identification and other items consistent with drug trafficking.

Touting it as the largest fentanyl seizure in the province, a British Columbia man is now facing charges. RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region, in collaboration with the RCMP-RNC Joint Forces Operation West (JFO West), announced details of “Project Beamline.” Charges have been laid against 25-year-old Abishake Lohia, who recently moved to Newfoundland and Labrador from British Columbia.Based on drug trafficking intelligence, Project Beamline was initiated and targeted Lohia, who is affiliated with an organized crime group in British Columbia. On Tuesday police attempted a traffic stop with Lohia, who was driving his vehicle on the Trans-Canada Highway near Pasadena. He initially pulled over for police but then sped away at a high rate of speed.  In the interest of public safety, officers did not pursue his vehicle. Later that day, a warrant to search the Steady Brook residence where Lohia was staying. They found three ounces of non-pharmaceutical fentanyl, sixteen ounces of cocaine, half an ounce of crystal methamphetamine, more than $22,000.00 cash, stolen identification and other items consistent with drug trafficking. The next day, (June 19) Lohia’s vehicle was located and seized, where it was parked at a commercial property in Deer Lake. he was arrested without incident. The investigation is continuing.