Mounties say they’ve put dent in drug supply in Vernon area
4 people from Okanagan and Lower Mainland face charges after investigation lasting several weeks
Four people face charges following a long-term investigation that Vernon RCMP say had a significant impact on the area’s drug supply.
A release Wednesday said the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP had completed an investigation targeting a group that was supplying the Vernon area with illicit drugs including cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin/fentanyl mixed opioid.
The investigation was conducted in various stages over numerous weeks, said Cpl. Dan Moskaluk.
On Aug. 26, Vernon RCMP arrested a 17-year-old youth from the Lower Mainland believed to be supplying drugs to street-level traffickers in Vernon. The teen has been charged with possession of cocaine and heroin/fentanyl mixed opioid for the purpose of trafficking. He on conditions to stay in the Lower Mainland and has future court appearances in Vernon.
On Oct. 27, Vernon RCMP arrested a 29-year-old Vernon woman and a 21-year-old Lower Mainland man believed to be supplying drugs at the street level in Vernon. Both subjects were released from custody for a future court date, and RCMP are recommending they be charged with possession of cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin/fentanyl mixed opioid for the purpose of trafficking.
On Nov. 2, Vernon RCMP arrested a 24-year-old man near his home on Academy Way in Kelowna. They say he is believed to be supplying drugs to Vernon for distribution to street-level traffickers.
Following the arrest, police obtained and executed search warrants at two homes associated to the suspect — a condo in the 800 block of Academy Way and a condo in the 3500 block of Woodsdale Road in Lake Country. The search warrants resulted in the seizure of cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin/fentanyl mixed opioid packaged for street-level distribution along with cash and other items related to drug trafficking.
The man was to appear in court Nov. 3 to face proposed charges of possession of three drugs for the purpose of trafficking.
RCMP say they seized a total of 118 packages of methamphetamine, 666 packages of cocaine and 753 packages of heroin/fentanyl opioid mix.
“This seizure will have a significant impact on the drug supply to the Vernon area and is a good example of enforcement action by the RCMP in targeting those responsible for distributing fentanyl and other illicit drugs in our community,” said Sgt. David Evans of the Vernon RCMP targeted policing unit.