Eight people have been charged in an undercover drug sting in Tofino and Ucluelet.

RCMP from both Vancouver Island towns developed an undercover operation that led to the arrest of nine people between July 22 and 27. One person is 16 years old.

Suspects face charges of possession and trafficking of marijuana, hashish, mushrooms and cocaine.

The undercover sting was part of the RCMP's attempt to combat the drug trade within the two towns, according to Cpl. Darren Lagan

"Like anywhere else, it's an area of enforcement we're always conscious of," Lagan told ctvbc.ca.

Police launched the operation after consulting with community leaders in the region, who expressed concerns about the effects of drugs and alcohol on local residents.

Aside from focusing on the street level sale of drugs, routine traffic stops and bar checks are other methods police are using to catch suspected drug dealers and traffickers, he said.

Seven residents from the two towns and one Edmonton resident have been released from custody and are set to appear in Tofino and Ucluelet courts this fall.