Multi City, Multi Site Drug Bust

By 250 News

Terrace and Kelowna, BC - RCMP executed search warrants on twelve separate locations today in connection with a drug trafficking ring originating in Terrace, BC.

The investigation began in Terrace approximately one year ago when members of the RCMP’s Prince Rupert North District Drug Section received a tip that lead to the identity of a 19-year-old Terrace man who is alleged to be the director of a drug trafficking ring. The investigation involved human source information, surveillance and telephone intercepts which lead to additional suppliers in Vancouver and Kelowna where the RCMP’s South East District Drug Section became involved.

During the investigation and prior to the execution of the search warrants, police seized approximately 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, half a kilogram of ecstasy, and half a kilogram of marijuana. The cocaine seizure originated from a vehicle stop of a Mercedes Benz SUV in the Merritt area. This vehicle was found to have a concealed compartment inside a sub woofer where approximately one kilogram of powdered cocaine was located and seized.

On September 18th, more than 50 RCMP officers in Terrace and Kelowna executed twelve search warrants on homes and businesses, including a Kelowna night club.

In Terrace, three males were arrested, ages 23, 35 and 47. $10,000 cash, two locked safes that are yet to be opened, three unsecured firearms, three vehicles and a small quantity of marihuana were seized during the execution of the six search warrants which included four houses, one hotel room and one industrial shop.

In Prince Rupert, the 19-year-old director of the drug trafficking ring was arrested when he walked out of the classroom where he was writing an exam at North West Community College. In addition, a 24-year-old male was arrested at his place of employment at a car dealership.

In Kelowna, two males ages 39 and 56, and two females ages 34 and 36 were arrested. Over half a kilogram of cocaine, $7,000 cash, two rifles, two handguns, and two vehicles were seized during the execution of the five residential search warrants.  In addition, six flaps of cocaine, approximately two dozen ecstacy tablets and half and ounce of powdered cocaine were seized during the execution of the sixth search warrant at the night club. 

Numerous charges are pending against the 19-year-old Terrace man at the center of this substantial drug trafficking conspiracy.

In addition to the people arrested today, police are recommending charges against four additional people from Terrace, Kelowna, and Vancouver. Charges include trafficking of a controlled substance, possession for the purposes of trafficking, and conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance.

The RCMP Drug Enforcement Branch works with community partners to identify, target, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the international, national/regional, and local drug trafficking organizations that are having the most significant impact on Canada. The goal is to prevent drug-related social and economic harm by reducing the supply and demand for illicit drugs, always working towards safer homes and safer communities.

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