28 Charges Laid in Northern BC Drug Trafficking Investigation

Four individuals have been charged following a 14-month drug trafficking and firearms investigation led by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) in Northern BC. The investigation began in April 2023, targeting a drug trafficking network operating in Prince Rupert.

On June 5, 2024, following a 14-month investigation, CFSEU-BC North District, in partnership with the Prince Rupert RCMP and with assistance from the Prince Rupert Coastal Unit, executed five search warrants in Prince Rupert.

Investigators seized the following items:

• Nine (9) firearms, including two loaded shotguns, a Tikka rifle and a loaded 9 mm handgun with a prohibited magazine;

• 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine;

• 16 grams of cocaine along with kilogram-style packaging,

• Approximately $38,000 in bundled cash

• Two (2) vehicles as offence-related property

On June 5, 2025, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada approved twenty-eight (28) criminal charges against the following individuals:

• Keith Fenton (38 years old), of Prince Rupert - charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of a loaded restricted firearm, possession of a firearm without authorization, possession of a prohibited device (over capacity magazine), and five counts of unsafe firearm storage;

• Richard Gladstone (34 years old), of Prince Rupert - charged with seven (7) counts of trafficking a controlled substance;

• Johnathn Sharkey (35 years old), of Prince Rupert - charged with ten (10) counts of trafficking a controlled substance;