Investigation into alleged drug trafficking network leads to seizure of drugs, weapons and several arrests
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) is announcing the initial results of a year-long investigation into the alleged drug trafficking activities of a crime group operating on Vancouver Island. This complex investigation has resulted in the arrest of several people, the execution of numerous search warrants, and the seizure of illegal drugs and firearms.
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. CFSEU-BC’s investigation gathered significant evidence over the course of the past year, which culminated in the arrest of several individuals and the simultaneous execution of several search warrants at multiple locations on Vancouver Island.
A total of four search warrants were executed on residences in the Comox Valley and Campbell River area in the early morning hours of January 13th, 2022.
These searches resulted in CFSEU-BC seizing:
• Approximately 3.5 kg of suspected cocaine
• Approximately $160,000 in Canadian cash
• Several firearms including a handgun, semi-automatic gun, sawed-off shotguns, long
guns and ammunition
• 1 vehicle as offence related property
• Hells Angels paraphernalia
Significantly, the illegal firearms and illicit drugs have been removed from these communities and will no longer pose a threat to public safety. The drugs will be sent to the lab to be analyzed, and the firearms will be sent to the Provincial Forensic Firearms Lab, which is managed by CFSEU-BC, for processing.
CFSEU-BC arrested six individuals believed to be linked to this alleged organized drug trafficking network, including a 43-year-old male from Campbell River, a 57-year-old male from Comox, a 39-year-old male from Cumberland, a 46-year-old female from Comox, a 32- year-old male from Sooke and a 29-year-old female from Victoria. All individuals arrested have been released from custody pending charges. The investigation continues, and investigators are now working to prepare all of the necessary reports and disclosure for Crown Counsel to assess charge approval for several Criminal Code and Drug related offences.
“We know small communities and areas outside the Lower Mainland are not immune to the negative effects of gangs and organized crime. These groups prey upon the most vulnerable through the sale of often deadly drugs and using fear and intimidation in order to advance their illicit enterprises,” says Superintendent Duncan Pound, Deputy Operations Officer for the CFSEU-BC. “Working with our partners on Vancouver Island in a collaborative and coordinated effort is critical to ensuring that those who seek to put us and our communities at risk are held accountable.”
The CFSEU-BC would like to thank the Island and Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Teams and the RCMP and municipal police agencies for their help and support in this investigation.
Media Spokesperson: Sergeant Brenda Winpenny
Email: Brenda.Winpenny@cfseu.bc.ca
www.cfseu.bc.ca
