Three Guilty Pleas in CFSEU-BC’s Investigation into Hells Angels “Support Club” Drug Trafficking Operation
An ex-full patch member of the Throttle Lockers Motorcycle Club, Zale Coty, has been sentenced to twelve (12) years plus a ten (10) year firearms and weapons prohibition. This is in addition to the two (2) men that were previously sentenced last year.
In early 2017, Kamloops RCMP’s Targeted Enforcement Unit (TEU) began a drug investigation and information received quickly led their investigators to believe that members of the Throttle Lockers Motorcycle Club, a “support club” for the Kelowna Chapter of the Hells Angels, were suspects in an alleged large-scale drug trafficking operation as they began to expand into the Kamloops area.
In July 2018, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC’s) Southeast District team assumed the lead of the investigation, targeting several known prospects of the Throttle Lockers who were allegedly trafficking drugs in the Kamloops area.
In November 2019, the CFSEU-BC and Kamloops RCMP conducted three (3) search warrants in the Kamloops area. Initial media release from Kamloops RCMP here.
On June 28, 2022, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) approved multiple charges for all three men. Updated CFSEU-BC media release here.
On November 10, 2022, 49-year-old ex-full patch member of the Throttle Lockers Motorcycle Club, Shawn William Carlisle pleaded guilty to one (1) count of Trafficking Cocaine and one (1) count of Trafficking Marijuana. In February 2023, Carlisle received a two and a half (2.5) year sentence.
On December 8, 2023, 28-year-old, Jacob Andrew Cavanagh was sentenced to one (1) count of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking Fentanyl. Cavanagh received a four (4) year sentence.
On April 8, 2024, 54-year-old Zale COTY pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl. On July 18, 2024, Cody was sentenced to twelve (12) years and a ten (10) year firearms and weapons prohibition.
“We’re pleased to see closure brought to this investigation which first began in 2017, during a time when violence, including a homicide, and other serious offences were occurring due to drug trade activity,” said Superintendent Jeff Pelley, Officer in Charge of the Kamloops RCMP Detachment. “Today, years later, we find ourselves again in the midst of a drug trafficking conflict. We want to assure the public that results such as this, which began as a proactive project by the Kamloops RCMP Targeted Enforcement Unit, remain a priority for our detachment as they directly impact public safety. With the continued support of our partners such as the CFSEU-BC, our officers will remain steadfast in the interruption and suppression of violence caused by drug traffickers, and work tirelessly to hold those responsible to account.”
“The CFSEU-BC continues to collaborate with our partner agencies and hold individuals associated with drug trafficking accountable, said Superintendent Kevin O’Donnell, Deputy Operations Officer for CFSEU-BC. “This investigation stopped the establishment and expansion of the Throttle Lockers Motorcycle Club in Kamloops and their influence on behalf of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. CFSEU-BC’s partnerships with police agencies across the province are integral in helping to keep our communities safe.”
CFSEU-BC would like to thank and recognize the Kamloops RCMP, as well as members of the RCMP’s Southeast District Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit that assisted throughout the investigation.
Media Spokesperson: Sergeant Brenda Winpenny
Desk: (778) 290-4677
Cell: (604) 868-6800
Email: Brenda.Winpenny@cfseu.bc.ca
