24.72°C Vancouver
connect fm logo

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

See All
canada-labour-board-again-orders-bank-of-canada-to-stop-using-replacement-workers-during-security-officers-strike
CanadaJul 23, 2026

Canada Labour Board again orders Bank of Canada to stop using replacement workers during security officers' strike

The Canada Industrial Relations Board has ordered the Bank of Canada for a second time to stop using replacement workers during an ongoing strike by its security officers, ruling that the practice violates Canada's new anti-scab provisions under the Canada Labour Code. According to the Public Service Alliance of Canada, the central bank continued using employees from private security firm Pinkerton despite an earlier board order issued in early July. The union alleged the replacement workers were being used to undermine the legal strike. The board has directed the Bank of Canada to remove the
lytton-b-c-hits-41-degrees-hottest-temperature-in-canada-this-year
BCJul 23, 2026

Lytton, B.C., hits 41 degrees, hottest temperature in Canada this year

The heat wave that has scorched southern British Columbia this week has seen temperatures pass 40 degrees for a second consecutive day in the Fraser Canyon, marking the two hottest temperatures recorded in Canada this year. Environment Canada says temperatures in Lytton hit 41.2 degrees on Wednesday, breaking a daily heat record set in 2006. Heat warnings that have blanketed the southern half of the province this week have receded, ending in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the Sunshine Coast, portions of Vancouver Island and the North Coast. But more than 20 heat warnings remain in place,
carney-says-canada-will-support-workers-and-businesses-amid-u-s-tariff-dispute
CanadaJul 23, 2026

Carney says Canada will support workers and businesses amid U.S. tariff dispute

Prime Minister Mark Carney says the federal government will take whatever steps are necessary to protect and support Canadians, families, workers and businesses as trade tensions with the United States continue. Carney made the remarks Thursday during the final day of the annual meeting of Canada's provincial and territorial premiers in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. According to the prime minister, discussions focused heavily on U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to impose a new 50 per cent tariff on Canadian goods. Carney said Canada is in a stronger position than it was when the tr
AlbertaJul 23, 2026

Calgary police ask residents to check vacant homes as search for missing autistic boy enters seventh day

Calgary police are asking residents, property owners and real estate professionals to check vacant homes as the search for an 11-year-old boy with autism entered its seventh day. According to Calgary Police Service, Parker, who is non-verbal, walked away from his day home in north Calgary last Thursday. Police have not released his last name. Acting Staff Sgt. Scott Guterson said Parker has the skills to survive inside a home, including getting drinking water from a tap and food from a refrigerator. Investigators believe he may have entered an unoccupied residence, prompting the appeal for peo
pm-modi-announces-fast-track-courts-for-paper-leak-cases-as-protests-continue
IndiaJul 23, 2026

PM Modi announces fast-track courts for paper leak cases as protests continue

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday issued his first public response to the ongoing paper leak controversy, announcing that fast-track courts will be established to ensure the speedy trial of those accused in the cases. He said the government is committed to taking strict action against those responsible for examination paper leaks. Despite the announcement, protests over the issue continued. Demonstrators and opposition parties described the measure as insufficient and reiterated their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Late Wednesday, clash

Related News

Lytton, B.C., hits 41 degrees, hottest temperature in Canada this year

Lytton, B.C., hits 41 degrees, hottest temperature in Canada this year

The heat wave that has scorched southern British Columbia this week has seen temperatures pass 40 degrees for a second consecutive day in the Fraser Canyon, marking the two hottest temperatures recorded in Canada this year. Environment Canada says temperatures in Lytton hit 41.2 degrees on Wednesday, breaking a daily heat record set in 2006. Heat warnings that have blanketed the southern half of the province this week have receded, ending in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the Sunshine Coast, portions of Vancouver Island and the North Coast. But more than 20 heat warnings remain in place,
Wildfires prompt new evacuation orders as more than 80 blazes burn across British Columbia

Wildfires prompt new evacuation orders as more than 80 blazes burn across British Columbia

Emergency evacuation orders have been issued for several areas of British Columbia as out-of-control wildfires continue to threaten communities across the province. More than 80 wildfires are currently active, and officials are urging residents to follow evacuation instructions and monitor emergency updates. According to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, overnight evacuation orders were issued for parts of the South Chilcotin Mountains area as wildfire conditions worsened. In Boston Bar, local authorities have also urged the remaining residents in the Fraser Canyon to leave immediately
Vancouver Police equip all patrol officers with new alcohol and drug screening devices

Vancouver Police equip all patrol officers with new alcohol and drug screening devices

Vancouver Police say the department has received 230 new Approved Screening Devices (ASDs) for its traffic section as part of efforts to strengthen enforcement against impaired driving involving alcohol and drugs. According to the Vancouver Police Department, the delivery makes it the first police agency in British Columbia to receive the devices on this scale. The department said every patrol officer on duty will now have access to an ASD during traffic enforcement. Police also introduced a new tracking software system that will record where the screening devices are being used. The departmen
connect fm logo

Legals

Privacy policy
Journalism code of ethics
© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.
MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

About
Advertisers
Careers
Contact
Feedback
Accessibility Plan
Broadcasting Notice of Consultation
BC Children's Hospital
Android app linkApple app link