Charges Approved in CFSEU-BC’s Investigation into Alleged Drug Trafficking Network

For Immediate Release: November 30, 2023

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) has secured criminal charges against 6 individuals concerning a 2021 investigation into an alleged crime group and drug trafficking operation on Vancouver Island.

In January 2021, CFSEU-BC began a complex investigation into an alleged organized drug trafficking network with ties to members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club.

The investigation progressed leading to the execution of several search warrants at multiple locations on Vancouver Island and several arrests in January of 2022.

See original media release here: Original Media Release

On November 30, 2023, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada approved charges against 6 individuals for the following offences;

• Jeff Scott Pasanen, a 59-year-old male from Comox

• One count of instructing persons to commit an offence for a criminal organization contrary to section 467.13(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada (CC);
• One count of committing an offence for a criminal organization contrary to section 467.12(1) CC;
• One count of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence contrary to section 465(1)(c) CC;
• Three counts of trafficking and possession for the purposes of trafficking cocaine, a controlled substance contrary to sections 5(1) and 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

• Randall James King, a 45-year-old male from Campbell River

• One count of instructing persons to commit an offence for a criminal organization contrary to section 467.13(1) CC;
• One count of committing an offence for a criminal organization contrary to section 467.12(1) CC;
• One count of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence contrary to section 465(1)(c) CC;
• Two counts of trafficking and possession for the purposes of trafficking cocaine, a controlled substance contrary to sections 5(1) and 5(2) CDSA.

• Shawna Lynne Leblanc, a 48-year-old female from Comox

• One count of committing an offence for a criminal organization contrary to section 467.12(1) CC;
• One count of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence contrary to section 465(1)(c) CC;
• Four counts of trafficking and possession for the Purposes of Trafficking cocaine, a controlled substance contrary to sections 5(1) and 5(2) CDSA.

• Peter Bruce Billie, a 37-year-old male from Comox

• One count of committing an offence for a criminal organization contrary to section 467.12(1) CC;
• One count of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence contrary to section 465(1)(c) CC;
• Two counts of trafficking and possession for the purposes of trafficking a controlled substance contrary to section 5(1) and 5(2) CDSA.

• Jonathan Erin Clifford, a 41-year-old male from Courtenay

• One count of participating in the activities of a criminal organization contrary to section 467.11(1) CC;
• One count of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence contrary to section 465(1)(c) CC.

• Rhys Tyler Vernon Bolton, a 34-year-old male from Victoria

• One count of Trafficking cocaine, a controlled substance contrary to Section 5(1) of the CDSA.

All 6 individuals will appear in court at a later date in relation to these charges.

CFSEU-BC Media Relations Officer: Sergeant Brenda Winpenny

Desk: 778-290-4677

Mobile: 604-838-6800

Email: Brenda.Winpenny@cfseu.bc.ca