Dozens of people are facing charges and a haul of dangerous narcotics and weapons have been taken off the streets following a year-long investigation by B.C.’s gang task force.
The probe, which focused on mid-level drug traffickers in the province’s Peace Region, led to the execution of five search warrants and numerous traffic stops, netting a .22 calibre rifle, a loaded 12 gauge shotgun and an AR15 semi-automatic rifle.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. said officers also seized roughly 700 fentanyl pills and capsules, 74 ounces of cocaine, 1.75 litres of liquid date rape drug, as well as some crystal meth, amphetamines, Percocet and about $70,000 in cash.
“These enforcement actions are a blow to the capabilities of certain gang members,” Chief Supt. Kevin Hacket said. “CFSEU-BC will continue its relentless pursuit of these gang members and their associations who choose to continue their criminal enterprises and place our communities at risk.”
The task force said 43 people are also facing charges as a result of the investigation. Twenty-nine were arrested over the course of nine roundups, which were conducted with help from Mounties in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John.
The other 14 remain at large.
So far, the CFSEU-BC said charges have been approved against just three people, including 37-year-old Jamie Christopher St. Denis of Dawson Creek, who has already pleaded guilty to cocaine and firearms charges and been sentenced to 7.5 years in prison.
Christina Marie MacKay, 30, of Bay Tree, Alta. has also been charged with trafficking cocaine, possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and two counts of breaching conditions.
Dawson Creek resident Ryan Holden, 36, has been charged with six firearms counts, one count of possessing body armour without a permit, and one count of possessing drugs for the purpose of trafficking.
They are both scheduled to appear in court in mid-July.
