Fentanyl-laced drugs, firearms and cash seized in bust
Seven people have been arrested in connection to a large drug operation in West Kelowna. On Nov. 30, following a two-month investigation, RCMP executed two search warrants at two properties in West Kelowna, on Smid Road and Old Ferry Wharf Road.
“A significant amount of the illicit drugs that were being sold on the downtown streets of Kelowna were being supplied directly by the West Kelowna drug operation,” said Sgt. Alex Lynch, head of the Kelowna RCMP street enforcement unit.
“It was the dedicated work by many of our officers, who utilized a number of investigative techniques available to them to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion.”
Police seized 1.32 kilograms of fentanyl-laced heroin, 2.1 kilograms of methamphetamine, 10 ounces of cocaine, more than $100,000 in Canadian currency, unrestricted firearms and thousands of dollars in suspected stolen property.
“Police believe that this seizure represents at least 342,000 individual doses on the street,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.
“We strongly believe these arrests will have a notable effect on the immediate availability of illicit drugs in the Central Okanagan.”
Terry Weninger, 44, and Robert Colbon, 59, both of West Kelowna, and Darcy Lenko, 52, of Penticton, each appeared in court and are being held in custody.
Each has been formally charged with multiple counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
La nce Wust, 42, of Kelowna, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance.
He was released from custody on strict conditions.
A 52-year-old West Kelowna man, a 22-year-old Vernon man and an 18-year-old Kelowna woman were also arrested and released from police custody.
Each faces potential charges and are expected to appear in court at a later date.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact RCMP at 250-762-3300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
A significant amount of the illicit drugs that were being sold on the downtown streets of Kelowna were being supplied directly by the West Kelowna drug operation. RCMP Sgt. Alex Lynch