Anti-gang unit seizes drugs, guns and cash during Penticton wildfire response

An emergency response to the Bald Range wildfire led to an unexpected haul for B.C.’s anti-gang police in the South Okanagan earlier this month.

Members of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. were in Penticton and Oliver from Aug. 5 to 9, working with local RCMP on proactive enforcement during Peach Festival. When the wildfire threatened Summerland and surrounding communities, CFSEU officers shifted to supporting the emergency response, including helping with tactical evacuations.

Police say officers assisted elderly residents in leaving an independent living facility before returning to crime-reduction duties with Penticton RCMP.

During the operation, police seized about 2.5 kilograms of suspected illicit drugs, including fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine and cocaine. They also took four firearms, 16 other weapons, about $100,000 in Canadian cash and one vehicle.