Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP Say the Labrador District General Investigation Section, Assisted by Sheshatshiu RCMP, Arrested Ashley Michelin, 54, and Clinton Martin, 51, in North West River and Seized Suspected Cocaine, Cash and Phones; Both Face Trafficking and Possession Charges (October 16, 2026)
The Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP said on October 16 that the Labrador District General Investigation Section (GIS) was conducting patrols as part of an ongoing investigation on October 14 when officers observed activity the force describes as consistent with drug trafficking in North West River. “With the assistance of Sheshatshiu RCMP, two men were arrested without incident,” the release says. “A search of the suspects and their vehicles resulted in the location and seizure of suspected cocaine, cash, phones and other paraphernalia.” Ashley Michelin, 54, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay “was charged with two counts of trafficking and one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.” Clinton Martin, 51, of North West River “faces charges of trafficking and possession (two counts).” The charges were laid under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The release does not give a weight for the suspected cocaine or an amount for the cash.
The Arrests
The force says the two arrests were made on October 14 in North West River, Labrador. According to the release, Labrador District GIS officers were on patrol as part of an ongoing investigation when they observed activity consistent with drug trafficking. With the assistance of Sheshatshiu RCMP, two men were arrested without incident. The suspected cocaine, cash, phones and other paraphernalia were found in a search of the two men and of their vehicles.
The release names the Labrador District GIS as the unit on patrol and Sheshatshiu RCMP as the detachment that assisted. It is datelined Sheshatshiu.
The Charges
The charges against both men were laid under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Against Ashley Michelin the release lists “two counts of trafficking and one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.” Against Clinton Martin it lists “trafficking and possession (two counts).” The placement of “(two counts)” after “possession” leaves unclear how many counts of each offence he faces, so this briefing gives no total for him. Both men are to appear in court at a later date, and the release does not give a date. The release reports no plea, trial or conviction.
The force adds that “The investigation continues, with additional charges possible.”
The Cocaine Warning the Force Attached
The release closes with a public safety note: the force says cocaine is the leading cause of toxicity — overdose — deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador, that naloxone does not treat a cocaine overdose, and that anyone who suspects an overdose should call 911 immediately.
The Charge List as Published
- Ashley Michelin, 54, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay: “two counts of trafficking and one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking”
- Clinton Martin, 51, of North West River: “trafficking and possession (two counts)”
- Statute: the charges were laid under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
- Seized: “suspected cocaine, cash, phones and other paraphernalia” — no weight and no dollar amount are given
- Court: both men will appear in court “at a later date”; no date is given
- Still open: “The investigation continues, with additional charges possible.”
Timeline
- October 14, 2026Labrador District GIS officers on patrol as part of an ongoing investigation observe activity consistent with drug trafficking in North West River, and, with the assistance of Sheshatshiu RCMP, two men are arrested without incident. Suspected cocaine, cash, phones and other paraphernalia are seized from the men and their vehicles.
- October 16, 2026The Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP publish the arrests and the charges against Ashley Michelin, 54, and Clinton Martin, 51.
Conducting patrols as part of an ongoing investigation when officers observed the activity, according to the release.
Assisted with the arrests, according to the release.
Issued the release and is listed as the media contact.
Sources
- Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP, “Sheshatshiu RCMP and Labrador District GIS arrest pair in drug trafficking investigation,” October 16, 2026 — for the charges, the arrests and the seizure — rcmp.ca
Ashley Michelin and Clinton Martin are presumed innocent, and neither the charges against them nor any allegation in this file has been tested in court. The allegations are those of the Newfoundland and Labrador RCMP, as published in its October 16, 2026 release. No gang or criminal organization has been named in connection with this case.