Police seize drugs and weapons after man stabbed, then kidnapped the next day

A St. John's man was the victim of a stabbing, a break-and-enter and a kidnapping over two separate incidents in the span of 48 hours, according to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary.

Police say the 36-year-old man was stabbed onLeMarchant Road on Sunday. Hewas treated in hospital and released. That same evening, police say they took the39-year-old suspect into custody, seizing ahandgun, 620 grams of coke, $6,600, and other drug trafficking materials in the process.

The RNCsearched a downtown home on Monday in connection to the 39-year-old's arrest, and say they seized multiple pellet guns, shotgun ammunition, 0.22 calibre ammunition, body armour, 24 Percocets, and drug trafficking materials.

The 39-year-old suspect will be appearing in court for 12 charges, including firearm offences, aggravated assault, assault with a weapon and resisting arrest.

But the tumultuous long weekend wasn't yet over for the 36-year-old man who police say was stabbed.

He showed up at RNC headquarters the day after his alleged attack this time to report that someone broke into his house and kidnapped him.

Police say they arrested a 45-year-old man at a residence downtown in connection to that complaint. He is facing four charges, including breaking and entering, uttering threats, assault and kidnapping.

"We, of course, do believe there was a link between these two separate responses by police," said Const. James Cadigan. "These events are believed to be connected."

Cause for concern

The seizures over the long weekend are part of a more widespread spike in illegal trafficking, the RNC spokesperson said.

"We've seen significant ... seizures, arrests, all connected to firearms trafficking and drug trafficking in our communities," said Cadigan.

Last month, the RCMP also seized firearms,cocaineand an expensive sports car in Conception Bay North.

"In the world of drug trafficking and firearms trafficking, these individuals are looking to seek profit by any means necessary," said Cadigan.

"They certainly aren't concerned for our well-being as members of the community, and that is why we have to work together to identify these networks and remove them from our communities."

Just over a year ago, the RNC allocateda portion of its criminal investigation division to create a weapon and drug enforcement unit, said Cadigan.

"We had enough information upon the creation of this unit to understand that ...we needed to dedicate services to that specific form of investigation," he said.

"We continue to work with our community to identify these issues. We ask that if you believe this activity is occurring in your neighborhood or if you observe suspicious activity, report through the RNC."

Download ourfree CBC News appto sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador.Click here to visit our landing page.