Drugs and weapons seized by RCMP during targeted six-day operation in Vernon. (RCMP photos)

By Pete McIntyre

RCMP project

Specialized police officers target problem areas of Vernon

Jun 19, 2024 | 9:45 AM

A police project focused on reducing crime in the Vernon area was a huge success, according to RCMP.

The Vernon North Okanagan detachment’s Targeted Policing Unit, which includes officers from the Downtown Enforcement Unit, Prolific Offender Unit and Drug Section, worked together in both uniform and plain clothes, to provide an enhanced policing presence downtown and in problem areas of Vernon.

The six-day operation used the expertise of the detachment’s crime analyst to identify crime series and priority offenders in order to focus resources in areas which will have the greatest impact on reducing crime.

The officers targeted a variety of policing issues including trespass/loitering, open drug use, street level drug trafficking, possession of weapons, compliance with court-imposed conditions and locating people wanted on warrants.

“The initiative was partly funded through the Special Investigation and Targeted Enforcement (SITE) program and was a huge success with an immediate impact on community safety,” Sgt. Dave Evans of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP Targeted Policing Unit, said.

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RCMP say the team executed 18 arrest warrants and initiated 97 police investigations including:

• Four new charges for breach of court-imposed conditions;
• One charge of driving while prohibited;
• One charge of obstruct a police officer;
• Thirteen weapons seizures including tasers, bear spray, carbon fiber brass knuckles, and knives; and
• Five possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking investigations including the seizure of over 30 ounces of fentanyl, over 10 ounces of methamphetamine, over three 3 ounces of cocaine, over 300 believed to be prescription pills, as well as over $5,000 Canadian currency and other evidence of drug trafficking.

“These investigations are ongoing with anticipation of criminal charges,” a RCMP news release said.

SITE is a three-year pilot initiative of the British Columbia Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General to provide centralized funds for operational support to law enforcement agencies.