Police arrest 23 people and seize drugs, cash, 34 firearms, and more
AN eight-month long investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s North District Team has resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of drugs, firearms and cash.
In June 2022, CFSEU-BC’s North District Team began a drug investigation, working collaboratively with policing partners in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson. The investigation led police to individuals believed to be involved in a large-scale drug trafficking operation based in northern British Columbia.
The investigation resulted in CFSEU-BC executing 13 search warrants between October 13, 2022, and January 23, 2023, in several Peace Region communities.
Police seized:
– Various illegal drugs in approximate amounts:
* 10 kg of cocaine
* 3 kg of methamphetamine
* 3 kg of psilocybin mushrooms
* 17 kg of marijuana
– Cocaine press
– Approximately 3,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes (10 packs per carton)
– $165,000 Canadian currency
– 34 firearms including:
* 8 handguns
* 16 long guns
* 8 shotguns
* 2 collapsible rifles
– Prohibited weapons including:
* Tasers and brass knuckles
– Ammunition
– 2 sets of body armour
– Several vehicles including;
* 2016 Dodge Ram Crew Cab
* 2017 Jaguar F-Pace
* 2013 Chevy Cruze
* 2020 GMC AT4 pickup truck
* 2004 Chevrolet Corvette
– Various drug trafficking items and paraphernalia; score sheets, money counters and scales
The investigation continues as police prepare disclosure documents for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) for charge approval.
Twenty-three people were arrested and released pending charge approval and the judicial process.
“These arrests have resulted in the significant disruption of an entrenched organized crime group in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson,” said BC RCMP Cpl. Madonna Saunderson. “CFSEU BC brings the necessary resources and skill set to ensure detachments are supported in any efforts to tackle large-scale drug trafficking operations.”
“This collaborative effort led by CFSEU-BC unveiled an alleged drug trafficking network in the province’s North District, giving CFSEU-BC an opportunity to disrupt organized groups causing harm to the communities of the Peace Region,” said Inspector Joel Hussey, Operations Officer for CFESU-BC.
“We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners across the province to target those who pose the greatest risk to public safety due to their involvement in gang-related activities. Police in British Columbia are unified in our resolve to suppress, disrupt, and prevent groups who show such wanton disregard for the well-being of our citizens.”
