Key Moments
Arrest of William Karl Paulsen
William Karl Paulsen was arrested on December 1, 2022, and released pending court proceedings.Ongoing Manhunt for Two Suspects
Kristopher Stephen Smith and Sean Oliver Douglas Kendall remain wanted on warrants and have not been located.Joint Forces Investigation Uncovers Drug Trafficking
The CFSEU-BC and RCMP FSOC teams conducted a months-long investigation into the Hells Angels and support clubs' drug trafficking on Vancouver Island.41 Charges Approved Against Four Individuals
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada approved 41 charges against four men involved in the alleged drug trafficking operation.For Immediate Release: December 02, 2022
A male wanted on an arrest warrant after charges were laid in a Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. (CFSEU-BC) led investigation has been arrested by investigators.
In June, 2018, CFSEU-BC’s Island team entered into a Joint Forces Operation (JFO) with the RCMP’s Federal Serious Organized Crime (FSOC) unit targeting the criminal networks of members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club in Nanaimo and their support clubs, the ”Savages MC” and “Devils Army MC” and their alleged drug trafficking operation on Vancouver Island. The investigation employed various investigative techniques, gathering information over several months that led investigators to believe the Hells Angels intended to expand their drug trafficking operations and create other Hells Angels chapters on Vancouver Island.
Over a period of approximately 22 months, evidence was obtained that progressed the investigation leading to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) approving a total of 41 charges against four individuals on November 30, 2022:
– Sean Oliver Douglas Kendall, a 44- year-old male from Port Alberni
– Kristopher Stephen Smith, a 44-year-old male from Nanaimo
– William Bradley Thompson, a 58-year-old male from Ladysmith
– William Karl Paulsen, a 51-year-old male from Campbell River
On December 1, 2022, William Karl Paulsen was arrested by investigators and released awaiting the court process. Kristopher Stephen Smith, and Sean Oliver Douglas Kendall have not been located and remain wanted on warrants in relation to their charges. If anyone has any information in connection to their location, please contact your local police or Crime Stoppers.
CFSEU-BC Media Relations Officer: Sergeant Brenda Winpenny
Desk: 778-290-4677
Mobile: 604-836-8300
