RCMP Federal Policing-Eastern Region provides updates on 2025 drug and firearm-related arrests
RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region welcomes the convictions and sentencing of Asian Htoo and Rodrigues Ryan, arrested after separate searches and arrests in January 2025.
On Jan. 14, 2025, 26-year-old Asian Htoo was arrested for possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. A subsequent search of his vehicle and residence resulted in the seizure of fentanyl, pharmaceutical opioids, cocaine and other drugs, as well as firearms, ammunition, cash and other prohibited weapons.
On Jan. 23, Htoo was convicted of:
- Possession of firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Possession of a prohibited weapon knowing its possession is unauthorized
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose
- Possession of substance
- Possession for purpose of trafficking
Htoo was sentenced to 40 months in prison. He was also issued a ten-year firearm prohibition and a DNA order, which will result in his profile being stored in the National DNA Data Bank.
Rodrigues Ryan, 39, was arrested by the Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit on January 19, 2025, after police executed a search warrant at a home in St. John’s and seized quantities of controlled substances including cocaine, prescription opioids and other pills, firearms, ammunition and prohibited weapons.
On Feb. 13, Ryan was convicted of:
- Possession for purpose of trafficking – six counts
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm – five counts
- Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose – five counts
He was sentenced to 49 months in prison and was issued a lifetime firearms prohibition.
“When drugs, contraband and firearms are taken off our streets, we know that it has a meaningful impact on public safety, so we are pleased with the outcomes of these two cases,“ said Inspector David Emberley, RCMP Federal Policing – Eastern Region. “In particular, we want to recognize and appreciate the efforts of our officers and our partners, including the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, in these investigations”
