Smithers, B.C. – Smithers RCMP say organized crime from the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley is starting to crop up in the community.

Police have made an increasing number of drug busts in recent weeks, seizing both cocaine and ecstasy, but RCMP Sergeant Kirsten Marshall says it’s not the usual suspects behind the trafficking activities.

“What has caught our attention and of new concern, is, in addition to the known local persons who are currently involved in the illicit drug trade in our area, whom we are actively investigating, we are seeing a new presence attempting to establish themselves. We are aware of a small group of individuals in Smithers of late, who have openly flaunted their association with a Lower Mainland/Upper Fraser Valley Organized Crime Gang.  It is being reported that these individuals have displayed firearms and may also be intimidating or threatening people.”

Marshall says the gang members may try to lure young people into criminal activity and distribute drugs to both youth and adults in the Smithers area. She says police are concerned about the dangers of youth involvement in the drug trade and the violence that comes with it.

Smithers RCMP say they’ve received excellent cooperation from the community about the activities of gang members. Investigators are urging parents and residents to keep an eye out for suspicious activity.