‘Significant’ Drug Bust and Arrests

RCMP have completed an investigation targeting a drug trafficking group that was supplying the Vernon area with illicit drugs.

The investigation, which dates back to the summer, led to the arrest of three men and one woman, and the seizure of hundreds of packets of cocaine, heroin mixed with fentanyl and methamphetamine from homes in Kelowna and Lake Country.

One of the suspects is a 17 year old male from the Lower Mainland who has been charged with possession of cocaine and heroin-fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking.

RCMP Sgt. Dave Evans says the seizure will have a significant impact on the drug supply in Vernon.

“It’s a good example of enforcement action by the RCMP in targeting those responsible for distributing fentanyl and other illicit drugs in our community,” says Evans.

The investigation was conducted in various stages over numerous weeks as follows;

On August 26, 2017 Vernon members arrested a 17 year old Lower Mainland male youth believed to be supplying drugs to street level traffickers in Vernon.  The male has been charged with possession of cocaine and heroin/fentanyl mixed opioid for the purpose of trafficking.  The youth is on conditions to reside in the Lower Mainland and has future court appearances in Vernon. (file 2017-20002)

On October 27, 2017 Vernon members arrested a 29 year old Vernon female and a 21 year old Lower Mainland male believed to be supplying drugs at the street level in Vernon.  Both subjects were released from custody for a future court date and RCMP are recommending both be charged with possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin/fentanyl mixed opioid for the purpose of trafficking. (file 2017-25425)

On November 2, 2017 Vernon members arrested a 24 year old male near his residence on Academy Way, Kelowna believed to be supplying drugs to Vernon for distribution to street level traffickers.  Following the arrest members obtained and executed search warrants at two residential locations associated to the arrested male – condo in 800 block of Academy Way Kelowna and a condo in 3500 block Woodsdale Rd Lake Country.  The search warrants resulted in seizure of multiple ounces of cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin/fentanyl mixed opioid packaged for street level distribution along with cash and other items related to drug trafficking.  The male will appear in Court November 3, 2017 to faces proposed charges of possession of three drugs for purpose of trafficking.

The seized drug exhibits have been processed and are confirmed as follows:

Methamphetamine – 118 packages

Cocaine – 666 packages

Heroin / Fentanyl Opiod Mix – 753 packages

The packages were of varying weight but at street level weight for sale.