The Ireland’s Eye Drug Bust: Newfoundland’s Wildest Crime Story

If you think Newfoundland is all fishing boats, rugged cliffs, and quiet coastal villages, think again. In 1993, Ireland’s Eye—a tiny, picturesque community—became the epicenter of the biggest drug bust in the province’s history. What went down wasn’t just shocking—it could’ve been ripped straight from a crime thriller.

A Quiet Cove with a Dark Secret

Ireland’s Eye was the perfect smuggling spot. Remote, isolated, and largely unnoticed, it had all the makings of an ideal drop zone. But what the smugglers didn’t count on? The relentless, watchful eyes of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

For months, the RCMP had been unraveling a massive drug operation stretching across Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Quebec. The target? An international smuggling ring attempting to flood Canada with 25 tons of hashish—a haul worth $225 million.

To put that into perspective, that’s enough hash to fill several shipping containers. This wasn’t some small-time operation—it was a full-scale international crime syndicate, and the RCMP wasn’t about to let it slide.

The RCMP’s Deadly Game of Cat and Mouse

This bust didn’t happen by luck. The RCMP’s Special I unit had been tailing the operation for months.

They tapped phones.
They tracked suspicious boats.
They followed the money.

The smugglers were careful. Every move was calculated. They believed Ireland’s Eye was remote enough that no one would notice a quiet offload. They were wrong.

By the time the hashish-laden vessels reached Newfoundland, the RCMP already had them in their sights. The officers were waiting, ready to pounce.

The Sting That Shook Newfoundland

When the RCMP made their move, they struck hard. In a series of coordinated raids, officers seized 25 tons of hashish, uncovering it hidden in fishing boats, storage sites, and even trucks ready for transport. Sixteen arrests were made—and these weren’t just low-level players. Some were the masterminds behind the entire smuggling ring.

Among the officers leading the charge was Sgt. Bill Smith, a seasoned RCMP veteran. New to the Special I unit, he played a critical role in surveillance and wiretapping, working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the operation to its breaking point. His work earned him a commendation from the United Nations—a rare honor in law enforcement.

This wasn’t just another drug bust. It was one of the largest in Canadian history.

Why Ireland’s Eye?

Newfoundland’s geography made it an easy target for smugglers. Thousands of kilometers of rugged, unguarded coastline. Hidden coves perfect for unloading illicit cargo. Sparse populations where few people asked questions.

And yet, despite its perfect setup for crime, the RCMP was watching. Ireland’s Eye had been chosen carefully—but so had the moment of attack.

From Rookie to Legend: The Rise of Sgt. Bill Smith

Sgt. Bill Smith’s story didn’t start with high-profile drug busts. His RCMP journey began in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, in 1973, when he joined the force at just 19 years old. From remote Labrador communities to technical surveillance work in Special I, Smith saw it all.