Gang Associate Arrested In Vernon Facing Gun Charges

A Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) investigation resulted in the arrest and charges being laid against a known firearms trafficker with significant gang ties. 21-year-old Daniel Penton of Vernon was arrested in Vernon before Christmas and has been charged with four gun-related charges.

The CFSEU-BC began an investigation into Penton in October 2014 after receiving information that Penton, who had just relocated to Vernon, was allegedly in possession of a number of guns and running drug lines for the Unknown Soldiers gang in the Vernon area. The CFSEU-BC, working with the Vernon RCMP’s General Investigation Section who had a separate investigation into Penton and his drug network, began to gather evidence and examine Penton’s alleged gun and drug-related criminal activity. Penton was arrested without incident in Vernon on December 19th.

Officers from the CFSEU-BC executed search warrants on Penton’s hotel room, as well as two storage lockers controlled by Penton in Port Coquitlam. The CFSEU-BC worked with Vernon RCMP as they executed a warrant to search a suspected stash site controlled by Penton and his associates as part of their investigation.

The CFSEU-BC’s search of the hotel room yielded a loaded prohibited .25 calibre handgun, multiple edged weapons, a collapsible baton, and $2,600 cash.

Charges were approved by Crown Counsel and Daniel Penton, who was previously convicted of being in possession of a loaded gun with a silencer, was remanded in Vernon on one count of possession of a firearm knowing he was not holder of licence; one count of possession of a loaded prohibited firearm without licence; and two counts of possession of firearm or ammunition while prohibited.

“The arrest of Daniel Penton will significantly diminish the level of violence and drug trafficking that occurs in the Vernon area,” said Sgt. Lindsey Houghton of the CFSEU-BC. “Getting Penton, a dangerous offender who has a previous gun-related conviction, off the streets highlights the level of cooperation and coordination between the CFSEU-BC and Vernon RCMP to obtain successful results in two investigations.”

Sgt David Evans of Vernon GIS Targeted Policing says, “Successfully targeting this drug trafficking group was a high priority for our unit. It was quickly accomplished with the dedication and cooperation of members from Vernon Detachment, the RCMP’s Southeast District Emergency Response Team and the CFSEU-BC”.

This multi-jurisdictional investigation impacted several communities in British Columbia and the successful outcome has managed to prevent violence in a number of communities. The CFSEU-BC would like to thank the Vernon RCMP GIS for their support in this investigation.

For an audio clip: Gang Associate Arrested In Vernon Facing Gun Charges

CFSEU-BC Media Relations Officer: Sergeant Lindsey Houghton
Desk: 778-290-3099
Mobile: 604-764-9085

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