Drug investigation results in trafficking and firearm charges

Illegal drugs totalling tens of thousands of doses were seized as part of an inter-agency investigation that culminated in charges against five local people.

The charges, which include possession for the purpose of trafficking and firearms offences, came following the conclusion of a Kamloops RCMP Targeted Enforcement Unit (TEU) investigation which began in April 2020.

By investigating suspects engaged in street level drug dealing of smaller amounts, TEU was able to follow their trail and identify those responsible for transporting large quantities of controlled substances into the community, said TEU Sergeant Todd Woon.

In July 2020, as a result of investigative efforts, TEU executed a search warrant at an address on the 600-block of Comox Avenue, during which cocaine, fentanyl, and a loaded prohibited firearm, were among items seized.

But the investigation didn’t end there. Through its ongoing efforts, TEU identified a suspected drug supplier in New Westminster believed to be responsible for supplying controlled substances to the Kamloops area.

Kamloops RCMP TEU and the New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) entered into a cooperative investigation focusing on suspected drug traffickers in both jurisdictions. In August 2020, a Cherry Creek man was arrested near Kamloops with more than one kilogram of cocaine, as a result of the joint effort.

In September, the partnership between Kamloops TEU and NWPD led to the arrest of a Kamloops man as he returned from New Westminster. Two kilograms of cocaine were seized from his vehicle, and a further two kilos of methamphetamine and one kilo of cocaine were located during a subsequent search of his property on the 1300-block of Kinross Place in Kamloops. A second property associated to the investigation, located on the 100-block of Holloway Drive in Tobiano, was also searched and yielded smaller quantities of controlled substances.

The impact of stopping those drugs from ever hitting the streets of Kamloops is immeasurable, said Sgt. Woon. Interrupting the supply chains into Kamloops helps prevent organized crime from developing a strong presence and increasing violence in the community.

Later in September 2020, the NWPD continued with its investigation into the suspected supplier that was previously identified by TEU. A search warrant was executed at a residence in New Westminster, resulting in the seizure of approximately 13 kg of cocaine, 10 kg of methamphetamine, two handguns, and approximately $300,000.

Lawrence Lloyd Pooli, 31, of Kamloops, is charged with one count of possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of ammunition while prohibited.

David Jeffrey Tremblay, 36, of Kamloops, is charged with one count each of possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking; possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, to wit a .22 LR calibre Savage model A22 semi-automatic rifle, without being the holder of an authorization or license under which to possess the firearm and a registration certification for the firearm; storing said prohibited firearm in a careless manner; and breach of firearms prohibition.

Rylee Laureen Bains, 24, of Kamloops, is charged with one count each of possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking; possession of a loaded prohibited firearm, to wit a .22 LR calibre Savage model A22 semi-automatic rifle, without being the holder of an authorization or license under which to possess the firearm and a registration certification for the firearm; and storing said prohibited firearm in a careless manner.

Jason Ray Sauka, 50, of Cherry Creek, is charged with one count of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Roberto Silio Lupi, 36, of Kamloops, is charged with two counts of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, and one count of possession of meth for the purpose of trafficking.