Suspect arrested in alleged interprovincial drug trafficking ring

A 14-month investigation by RCMP in Kelowna has led to the arrest of a suspect alleged to be involved the drug trade across several provinces.

The investigation started in June 2022 after the discovery of a significant quantity of drugs, and as it progressed, it was revealed the suspect had ties to criminal activities in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and potentially Ontario.

“The Kelowna RCMP Strike Force also learned that the suspect frequently traveled between Vancouver, Burnaby, Chilliwack, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Toronto, engaging in numerous suspicious cash transactions with individuals previously convicted of drug and firearms offenses,” Const. Mike Della-Paolera stated.

Della-Paolera said on August 31, Strike Force members arrested the suspect as he left a known “stash location” in West Kelowna.

“Subsequently, seven search warrants were executed in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Peachland, Merritt, Calgary, Burnaby and Chilliwack. These searches resulted in the seizure of three handguns, one replica firearm, over 5 kilograms of controlled substances including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, synthetic cannabinoid receptor Type 1 agonist, and 11 kilograms of cannabis,” the media relations officer said.

RCMP Inspector Beth McAndie called this a great example of an interprovincial investigation conducted by the Kelowna Strike Force unit with the support of partner agencies in B.C. and Alberta.

“The community impact of seizing this quantity of illicit drugs and the associated potential risk of overdose due to the toxic nature of these drugs, is immeasurable. The RCMP’s ability to leverage partnerships across Western Canada was key to the success of this investigation. The dedication and professionalism demonstrated by this team to drive this investigation should also be weighed with the immense contribution this unit gave to the recent McDougall Creek wildfire police response,” McAndie remarked.