An eight-month long investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s (CFSEU-BC) 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 police in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson. The investigation led investigators to individuals believed to be involved in a large-scale drug trafficking operation based in northern British Columbia.
The investigation resulted in CFSEU-BC executed 13 search warrants between October 13, 2022 and January 23, 2023 in several Peace Region communities and the following items were seized:
Various illegal drugs were seized including 10kg cocaine, 3kg of Methamphetamine, 3kg psilocybin mushrooms, 17kg marihuana, cocaine press, approximately 3,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes (10 packs per carton), $165,000.00 CDN currency, 34 firearms including; 8 handguns 16 longguns, 8 shotguns, 2 collapsible rifles
Prohibited weapons were also seized 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, and various drug trafficking items and paraphernalia; score sheets, money counters and scales.
The investigation continues as investigators prepare disclosure documents for Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC), in support of the charge approval process.
The 23 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 Cpl. Madonna Saunderson, BC RCMP. “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 provinces 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.”