Key Moments
CFSEU-BC Investigation Initiated
The CFSEU-BC began investigating an alleged organized drug trafficking network tied to the Hells Angels in January 2021.Search Warrants and Arrests
In January 2022, multiple search warrants were executed on Vancouver Island, leading to several arrests related to the drug trafficking operation.Charges Approved Against Six Individuals
On November 30, 2023, criminal charges were approved against six suspects for various drug trafficking and criminal organization offences.Details of Charges and Court Appearance
The charges include instructing offences for a criminal organization, conspiracy, and trafficking cocaine, with all accused scheduled for court appearances at a later date.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
