RCMP police service dog Phox assists in drug trafficking arrest in Happy Valley-Goose Bay

RCMP Police Service Dog Phox helped Happy Valley-Goose Bay officers make a drug-related arrest. Photo by RMCP /ContributedArticle contentTwo people were arrested and charged on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025 in Happy Valley-Goose Bay for possession of illegal drugs with the purpose of trafficking.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentRCMP police service dog Phox was key in making the arrests.Article contentArticle contentThe RCMP says that just before 9 p.m., Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP attended a residence on Hamilton River Road after receiving a report that two unwanted people were refusing to leave the property.Article contentArticle contentAfter the suspects refused to comply with police demands to exit, Police Service Dog (PSD) Phox was engaged and the suspects exited the residence without further incident and were arrested.Article contentDuring the arrest, police found evidence of drug possession and drug trafficking. A further search of the residence resulted in the location and seizure of a quantity of cocaine, a quantity of pills, cash, cell phones and various drug and drug trafficking paraphernalia.Article contentPhox cleared the property, ensuring there were no other people in the residence and was deployed on site to search for further presence of drugs.Article contentDeon Lee, 37, of St. Mary’s and Michelle Mugford, 48, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay were both arrested and charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking in cocaine.Article contentThe pair were released from custody with conditions, and are expected to appear in court in February 2026.Article contentThe investigation is continuing.Article contentEarlier this year, RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador issued a public warning advising that cocaine is the current leading cause of overdose deaths in the province. Naloxone is ineffective in combatting cocaine overdose.Article content“If you suspect someone is overdosing on cocaine, immediately seek medical attention,” the RCMP release states.Article content