4.46°C Vancouver

Oct 31, 2024 3:35 PM - The Canadian Press

Drug-trafficking investigation leads to charges against 19 people in northern B.C.

Share On
drug-trafficking-investigation-leads-to-charges-against-19-people-in-northern-b-c
The unit says the Public Prosecution Service of Canada approved charges this month against 19 people ranging in age from 24 to 63 years old.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Federal prosecutors have approved charges against 19 people, eight of them still at large, after an investigation into what police call a violent drug trafficking network in northeastern British Columbia.

A statement from B.C.'s Combined Special Forces Enforcement Unit says two of the 11 people who were arrested remain in custody, while the others have been released with conditions as they move through the judicial process.

It says the other eight, all men, are wanted on outstanding charges that include trafficking, possession of a restricted firearm and careless use or storage of a gun.

The unit says it began an investigation in June 2022, working alongside police in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson to target alleged drug trafficking and "violent activity" threatening public safety.

It says the execution of search warrants in several Peace Region communities between October 2022 and January 2023 turned up illicit drugs and guns and led to the arrests of 23 people who were released while prosecutors considered charges.

The unit says the Public Prosecution Service of Canada approved charges this month against 19 people ranging in age from 24 to 63 years old.

The investigation "unveiled an alleged drug trafficking network causing significant harm to the Peace Region communities," Sgt. Brenda Winpenny with the combined special forces unit said in the statement issued Wednesday.

Several of those charged are facing one count of drug possession or trafficking, while one man from Fort St. John faces seven counts of trafficking.

Police are asking for the public's help in locating the eight men at large, and anyone with information is asked to call local police or Crime Stoppers.

Latest news

coquitlam-rcmp-warn-residents-after-spike-in-home-break-ins-targeting-back-doors
BCDec 18, 2025

Coquitlam RCMP warn residents after spike in home break-ins targeting back doors

Coquitlam RCMP are urging residents to take extra precautions after a recent increase in residential break and enters across the city, many involving similar methods and locations. Police say the incidents have raised concern among investigators due to their frequency and pattern. Mounties report receiving about 21 complaints of residential break-ins since November 23. In most cases, suspects entered homes through rear sliding glass doors, with incidents largely occurring between mid-afternoon and late evening, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Police note that homes backing onto green spaces, trails, or
burnaby-rcmp-seek-public-help-to-identify-suspects-in-south-burnaby-package-theft
BCDec 18, 2025

Burnaby RCMP seek public help to identify suspects in South Burnaby package theft

Burnaby RCMP are asking for the public’s help to identify three people believed to be involved in a package theft at a South Burnaby home earlier this month. Police say the incident happened just before noon on December 1, when a dark-coloured SUV stopped outside a residence. Investigators allege a male suspect briefly exited the vehicle before two female suspects approached the front door and removed multiple delivered packages, placing them in the back of the SUV before driving away. Mounties say package thefts typically increase during the holiday season, with residents across Burnaby and
IndiaDec 18, 2025

Punjab and Haryana High Court dismisses Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh’s plea to attend Parliament session

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament Amritpal Singh, who had sought permission to attend the ongoing winter session of Parliament. During the hearing, the court noted that the matter had been repeatedly deferred over the past three days due to the absence of Amritpal Singh’s legal counsel. The bench observed that with the winter session concluding on Friday, it was no longer feasible for the MP to secure parole and participate in the remaining proceedings. The court advised that any request to attend future sessions of
five-firearms-stolen-bullion-seized-in-abbotsford-break-and-enter-investigation
BCDec 18, 2025

Five firearms, stolen bullion seized in Abbotsford break-and-enter investigation

Abbotsford police say five firearms and a large quantity of stolen property have been recovered following the execution of a search warrant tied to a series of break-and-enter cases across the Lower Mainland. The Abbotsford Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit began investigating in mid-October after receiving multiple reports of property crimes in the region. Investigators later identified suspects believed to be connected to a problem residence in the 27800 block of Myrtle Avenue, an address known to police. On December 10, officers from the Crime Reduction Unit, assisted by frontline
pablo-rodriguez-steps-down-as-quebec-liberal-leader-amid-party-turmoil
CanadaDec 18, 2025

Pablo Rodriguez steps down as Quebec Liberal leader amid party turmoil

Pablo Rodriguez has resigned as leader of the Quebec Liberal Party just six months after taking on the role, saying his continued presence had become a distraction as the party prepares for the next provincial election. Speaking to reporters in Montreal, Rodriguez said he made the decision out of a sense of responsibility to the party, adding that unity will be critical if the Liberals hope to rebuild support and challenge the governing Coalition Avenir Québec next year. He said he is leaving with his head held high, despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his departure. Rodriguez, a

Related News