A year-long investigation into drug trafficking in BC’s Peace Region by the Combined Special Forces Unit of BC (CFSU-BC) Norther District Office has yielded multiple arrests, as well as weapons, cash and drugs. It’s being described as one of the largest street level investigations ever undertaken in the province.
“As a result of the investigation, CFSU has seized fentanyl, cocaine, percocets an AR-15 assault rifle,” said CFSU-BC Chief Superintendent Kevin Hackett. “In addition 5 residential search warrants resulted in the seizure of additional cocaine, fentanyl, as well as crystal methamphetamine, cash and two additional firearms.”
In total, officers seized 74 ounces of cocaine, 700 fentanyl pills, 1.75 litres of GHB, over 20 grams of amphetamine and methamphetamine and about $70,000 in cash.
“Between December 5, 2015 and May 24, 2016, our team arrested 29 individuals and more arrests are expected. Over the next several weeks, it is anticipated that a total 43 individuals will be facing approximately 150 recommended charges.”
Jamie Christopher St. Denis, 37, of Dawson Creek has pled guilty to charges of trafficking cocaine and a firearm, and possession of an illegal firearm and received a sentence of 7.5 years. He and 30 year old Christina Marie MacKay of Bay Tree, Alberta were arrested in Dawson Creek in December for attempting to sell 24 ounces of cocaine. MacKay is facing charges of cocaine possession and trafficking and breach of conditions.
Another Dawson Creek man, 36 year old Ryan Holden has been charged with multiple weapons offenses, possessing body armour without a permit and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Hackett says those arrested have “indirect links” to Prince George and direct connections to illegal activities in the Lower Mainland.
“Nothing in the criminal environment in British Columbia happens independently and that is certainly the case with the individuals that we focused on and targeted in this case. Some of these arrests were directly connected to previous arrests that other departments and police agencies have made. It’s directly linked to an investigation that CFSU conducted in the Fraser Valley and that’s indicative that this problem does not exist only in one limited area or jurisdiction. It expands across the entire province.”
British Columbians can expect to see and hear about more integrated law enforcement efforts in the future.
“This is not a one time coordinated enforcement strategy,” said RCMP E Division North District Commander Lesley Bain. “Multi-jurisdictional investigative efforts will continue to be adopted as we leverage local, regional and provincial resources against those individuals who pose a greatest risk to our northern communities.”
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