At a Glance
UGET Supports Public Safety During Peach Festival
From August 5-9, 2026, UGET officers partnered with Penticton RCMP to enforce public safety during the Peach Festival, marking their second consecutive year of involvement.Rapid Response to Escalating Wildfire Threat
On August 7, UGET officers shifted focus to assist with emergency response and tactical evacuations as a wildfire threatened Summerland and surrounding areas.Seizure of Firearms, Weapons, Drugs, and Cash
During the deployment, UGET and Penticton RCMP seized approximately 2.5 kilograms of illicit drugs, four firearms, sixteen weapons, about $100,000 in cash, and one vehicle.Acknowledgement of UGET Officers' Bravery and Dedication
Leadership praised UGET officers for their professionalism and bravery in adapting quickly to both wildfire emergency and ongoing crime reduction efforts.
For Immediate Release:
CFSEU-BC
2026-08-21
From August 5 to 9, 2026, Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET) officers conducted proactive enforcement in Penticton and Oliver while working alongside Penticton RCMP to support public safety during the Peach Festival. This marked the second consecutive year UGET supported policing efforts during the event.
On August 7, as a rapidly escalating wildfire threatened Summerland and surrounding communities, UGET officers quickly shifted their focus from proactive enforcement to supporting the emergency response.
UGET officers assisted with tactical evacuations in affected areas, including helping elderly residents safely evacuate an independent living facility. Officers also maintained a visible police presence and connected with residents, businesses and community partners during the deployment.
Despite the rapidly changing circumstances, UGET continued working with Penticton RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit to enhance public safety and disrupt criminal activity in the region. Enforcement efforts during the deployment resulted in the seizure of:
- approximately 2.5 kilograms of illicit drugs, including fentanyl, crystal
methamphetamine and cocaine; - four firearms;
- 16 weapons, including knives, a baton, a conducted energy weapon, a
compound bow and a crossbow; - approximately $100,000 CAD in cash; and
- one vehicle.
The deployment highlighted UGET’s ability to adapt quickly to emerging public
safety needs while continuing to support local policing priorities and communities
across the South Okanagan.
“Without hesitation, UGET officers stepped into action, assisting with tactical evacuations and supporting our teams during the deadly wildfire response. Their bravery, professionalism and dedication to duty during an incredibly challenging and rapidly evolving situation were extraordinary. I am incredibly proud of them and will be forever grateful for their actions.”
Supt. Beth McAndie, Officer in Charge of Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Detachment
“While supporting the wildfire response in Penticton, our officers remained focused
on public safety, working alongside our policing partners to remove firearms,
weapons and significant quantities of illicit drugs from the community,”
Sarbjit K. Sangha, Media Relations Officer for CFSEU-BC
Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha
Media Relations Officer
Royal Canadian Mounted Police with
Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – British Columbia
media@cfseu.bc.ca
Desk:778-290-2126
Cell: 236-558-0441
