Weapons seized after a search warrant was executed in Kelowna in March 2025. (Image Credit: RCMP)

By Liam Verster

Two People in Custody

Charges approved in year old Kelowna weapon and drug investigation

Mar 18, 2026 | 4:08 PM

Charges have been approved in a drug trafficking and firearm possession investigation in Kelowna last year.

In March 2025, the RCMP’s Proactive Enforcement Unit executed a search warrant that led to the seizure of weapons and a small quantity of illicit drugs, along with the arrest of a 41-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man.

The pair were later released, but the RCMP said charges have now been approved against Linsey Smith and Austin Pedersen of Kelowna.

Smith faces two counts of possession of prohibited or restricted firearm and ammunition without licence/registration; one court of possession of prohibited device without a licence; one count of possession of a firearm while prohibited; one count of possession of ammunition while prohibited; and one count of possession of a prohibited device while prohibited.

Pedersen faces one court of possession of prohibited or restricted firearm without a licence/registration; one count of possession of a firearm while prohibited; one court of possession of ammunition while prohibited.

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Both Smith and Pedersen were being held in custody awaiting bail hearings as of March 18, 2026.

“Our investigative teams are committed to completing thorough, evidence driven files,” Staff Sergeant Desmond Kiehlbauch, Kelowna RCMP Investigative Services NCO, said.

“This case required careful, detailed work to ensure we could present the strongest possible evidence before the courts. Our focus remains on public safety and holding individuals accountable through a comprehensive investigative process.”