(St. John’s, NL) July 17, 2025 – The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) has charged a man for the overdose death of a youth in Mount Pearl.

Just after 11:30 p.m. on March 14, Operational Patrol Services responded to a home in Mount Pearl where a teen male was found unresponsive. The 14-year-old was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled his death a result of an overdose. The RNC has since determined the youth ingested what he believed to be Xanax and Dilaudid but actually contained a deadly concoction of synthetic opioids.

On May 1, the RNC Major Crime Unit and the Weapons and Drugs Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant at a residence in St. John’s, seizing various drugs under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, including the synthetic opioid, phenazolam.

Yesterday (July 17), a 19-year-old male from St. John’s was arrested on charges of:

• Manslaughter
• Criminal negligence causing death
• Trafficking in a controlled substance (protonitzene)
• Possession of a controlled substance (cocaine, ketamine, phenazolam)

The accused has been released to appear in Provincial Court at a later date.

The RNC is asking anyone with information to assist the investigation contact police directly at 709-729-8000. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com.

If you or someone you know is experiencing the symptoms of a drug overdose call 911 immediately. The Good Samaritan Act protects those experiencing a drug overdose or anyone present during an overdose from charges of possession when they call for emergency help.

     

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File # 2025-16370

Cst. James Cadigan, #775
Public Communications Officer
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
media@rnc.gov.nl.ca