A 20-month RCMP investigation has resulted in seven arrests and the seizure of drugs, weapons and cash after police raided the Hells Angels clubhouse in Kelowna, B.C. Saturday.
Supt. Brian Cantera announced Monday the investigation, which spanned four countries including Mexico and Panama, began in January 2011 when police began probing a marijuana trafficking organization in southeast B.C.
Further evidence indicated the organization was preparing to import and traffic 500 kilograms of cocaine.
The sting came to a head Saturday when police raided the clubhouse and seized $4 million in cash, handguns and assault rifles, and arrested seven people, including the vice president of the Kelowna Hells Angels David Giles.
Giles, Kevin Van Kalkeran, Michael Reid and James Howard were charged with conspiracy to import and traffic a controlled substance.
Orhan Saydam, Murray Trekofski and Shawn Womacks were charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking a controlled substance.
A Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued for Brian Oldham, who is charged with possession of a controlled substance and remains at large.
“The evidence gathered through this investigation is a stark reminder of the central role that marijuana plays in the international drug trade and the influx of dangerous drugs like cocaine into Canada,” Cantera said.
In 2008, Giles was charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, but was acquitted.
The accused are scheduled to appear in court Monday.
