Charges Laid In April Drug and Firearms Investigation

Charges have now been laid against two men, who were arrested on April 10th, 2013 by investigators from CFSEU-BC’s Vancouver Island office, alleged to be involved in distributing cocaine as part of a drug trafficking network operating between B.C.’s Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

35-year-old Adam Blair Maxted Smith of Sooke was originally arrested on April 10th, 2013 in Delta and later released pending the continuation of the investigation and charge approval by Crown Counsel. During the arrest, officers discovered and seized 4 kilograms of cocaine and a subsequent search warrant at Smith’s residence in Sooke resulted in the seizure of a revolver.

As a result of the investigation, officers have also now arrested and charged 31-year-old Yoshiaki Shibanuma of Vancouver.

Both Smith and Shibanuma were arrested on November 20th, 2013 by CFSEU-BC officers without incident after charge approval was obtained. Blair Smith has been charged with one count each of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a prohibited weapon. Yoshiaki Shibanuma has been charged with one count of trafficking in a controlled substance.

Both men are known to police for previous property crime and drug-related offences. They have been released from custody and are scheduled to appear at 10:30 a.m. on January 3rd, 2014 in Surrey Provincial Court.

CFSEU-BC Media Spokesperson: Sgt. Lindsey Houghton
Desk: (778) 290-3099
Cell: (604) 764-9085

CFSEU-BC Communications Strategist: Geeta Reddy
Desk: (778) 290-2873
Cell: (604) 499-4199