Police Deploy Tear Gas During St. John's Drug and Weapons Investigation

Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers used tear gas during an operation on Hatcher Street as part of a drug and weapons enforcement probe, prompting a brief shelter-in-place order.

Police Deploy Tear Gas During St. John's Drug and Weapons Investigation

An emergency lockdown was imposed on a residential thoroughfare in St. John's Thursday morning as law enforcement personnel conducted an operation utilizing chemical agents. CBC reports that the shelter directive, active for roughly sixty minutes, ended shortly after noon.

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary first announced the restriction just before 11 a.m. local time, telling occupants of Hatcher Street and the portion of University Avenue stretching between Hatcher and Paton streets to stay inside, lock entry points, and close windows. The measure was removed around midday, permitting those in the vicinity to resume ordinary routines.

A reporter present at the location stated that tear gas was fired at approximately 11:30 a.m. An official communication later indicated that constables would maintain their presence in the neighborhood for the remainder of the day to carry out a court-authorized search. The activity is connected to a continuing investigation by the department's drug and arms control division.

Further particulars regarding detentions, confiscated items, or particular individuals of interest have not been disclosed.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)