14.22°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

modi-iranian-president-pezeshkian-discuss-west-asia-situation-in-phone-call
IndiaJun 30, 2026

Modi, Iranian President Pezeshkian discuss West Asia situation in phone call

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by telephone with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday, with the two leaders discussing the latest developments in West Asia and possible paths forward in the region. According to the Government of India, Pezeshkian briefed Modi on recent developments and the current situation in the region.During the conversation, Modi welcomed progress between Iran and the United States and reiterated India's long-standing position that all issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. India has consistently advocated for peace and stability in
alberta-to-unveil-next-phase-of-proposed-west-coast-oil-pipeline-on-july-2
AlbertaJun 30, 2026

Alberta to unveil next phase of proposed West Coast oil pipeline on July 2

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is expected to announce new details Thursday about a proposed oil pipeline that would transport crude from Alberta to Canada's West Coast. Samuel Blackett, the premier's press secretary, confirmed Monday that Smith will outline the next steps for the project, which is being proposed with a capacity of one million barrels of oil per day. The proposal falls under an Energy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached last year between the Alberta and federal governments. Under the agreement, the province had until July 1 to submit its proposal to the Major Projects Of
immigration-department-says-unclear-guidance-led-to-recall-of-some-citizenship-certificates
CanadaJun 30, 2026

Immigration department says unclear guidance led to recall of some citizenship certificates

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada says unclear departmental guidance on applications for citizenship by descent may have resulted in some people receiving proof of Canadian citizenship without sufficient supporting evidence. The department said 100 people were asked to surrender their citizenship certificates after a routine review identified cases issued under Bill C-3 that had "potentially insufficient supporting documentation." The explanation and the number of affected cases were released 17 days after the initial notices were sent to certificate holders. Federal officials said
carney-to-attend-nato-summit-in-turkey-then-visit-saudi-arabia-for-trade-talks
CanadaJun 30, 2026

Carney to attend NATO summit in Turkey, then visit Saudi Arabia for trade talks

Prime Minister Mark Carney will travel to Turkey next week to attend the NATO summit before making an official visit to Saudi Arabia, marking his first trips to both countries as prime minister. NATO leaders are scheduled to meet in Ankara on July 7 and 8 as alliance members discuss increased defence spending and plans to meet a target of spending five per cent of gross domestic product on defence and security by 2035. The benchmark follows years of pressure from the United States for member countries to increase military spending. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Carney has been urgi
b-c-premier-invites-petrochina-to-consider-investment-in-lng-canada-phase-2-during-beijing-visit
BCJun 30, 2026

B.C. premier invites PetroChina to consider investment in LNG Canada Phase 2 during Beijing visit

British Columbia Premier David Eby met with senior executives of PetroChina in Beijing during his first official visit to China and invited the company to consider investing in a potential second phase of the LNG Canada project in Kitimat. According to the B.C. government, PetroChina is China's largest oil and gas producer and supplier and is already one of five partners involved in LNG Canada's Phase 1 project. Eby said the first phase became the largest private-sector investment in Canadian history. The premier said a second phase of the liquefied natural gas facility could become another ma

Related News