RCMP and RNC's Operation B-Tarantula results in 100% conviction rate against nine criminals

Operation B-Tarantula, a joint investigation into inter-provincial drug trafficking, initiated by the former CFSEU-NL (Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit-Newfoundland and Labrador) in March 2017, has resulted in a 100% conviction rate against its nine offenders, three of whom were convicted of conspiracy to commit murder.

The latest convictions were against 36-year-old Ryan Spencer of Holyrood, who was sentenced to two years plus one day on March 15, 2023, for Conspiring to Traffic and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, and 28-year-old Christian Woodford of Clarke's Beach, who was sentenced to five years of incarceration on Friday, March 3, 2023, after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including Conspiring to Traffic Cocaine.

CFSEU NL, which was comprised of police officers and civilian employees of the RCMP and RNC, led the lengthy investigation, with assistance from inter-provincial partners and the Canada Border Services Agency. Multiple search warrants and judicial authorizations were executed, resulting in the seizure of seven kilos of cocaine, 20 firearms, vehicles, over $240,000 in cash, a money counter and other various items related to trafficking of controlled substances. Nine individuals were charged, with all convicted and sentenced:

• Shane Clarke of Mount Pearl - 3.5 years for Conspiring to Traffic Cocaine, Trafficking Cocaine (under appeal)
• Joseph Connelly of Oshawa, Ontario - 5 years for Conspiring to Traffic Cocaine
• Dustin Etheridge of Summerside - 10 years for Conspiring to Commit Murder, Conspiring to Traffic
• Brandon Glasco of St. John's - 6 years for Conspiring to Commit Murder, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Ryan Spencer of Holyrood - 2 years plus one day for Conspiring to Traffic and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
• Bradley Squires of Paradise - 6 years for Conspiring to Traffic Cocaine (two counts), Conspiracy to Traffic Marihuana, Trafficking of Cocaine
• John Squires of St. John's - 8 years for Conspiring to Commit Murder, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Possession of a Restricted Firearm/Prohibited Weapon with Ammunition without a License/Registration, Possession of a Weapon Contrary to a Court Order
• Corey Stevens of Mount Pearl - 5 years for Conspiring to Traffic, Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
• Christian Woodford of Clarke's Beach - 5 years for Conspiring to Traffic Cocaine and Conspiring to Traffic Marihuana, in addition to convictions on two charges laid by RCMP East District General Investigation Section in April 2022: Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Oxycodone and Possession of Unstamped Cannabis for the Purpose of Selling

In addition to the jail terms imposed, all nine individuals received firearms prohibition orders and are required to submit to a DNA order.