A ten-month investigation conducted by the Nanaimo RCMP and several lower mainland police detachments has culminated in the arrest of a number of individuals plus the seizure of cash, illegal drugs, and firearms from both Nanaimo and Vancouver.
Starting back in April 2018, Nanaimo RCMP began investigating individuals allegedly associated with the Red Scorpions – a gang founded in Vancouver in 2005 – who have been active in drug sale and distribution in Nanaimo.
The first leg of the investigation eventually lead to a search warrant being issued for a home in Linyard Valley in Nanaimo. There, officers seized a number of illegal items, including 10 ounces of suspected fentanyl, $35,000 CAD, and 4 firearms.
Three men were subsequently charged in the incident with a number of drug trafficking offenses, and are presently before the court. This, however, was just the beginning of the 10 month investigation.
On the Island and Lower Mainland
A few months later, in December 2018, the case lead investigators to various jurisdictions in BC, including Nanaimo, Vancouver, and Richmond.
In total, six search warrants were executed in these three communities between December 15th and 18th. With the help of multiple BC law enforcement agencies including Vancouver Police Department, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island RCMP ERT, Federal Serious Organized Crime Section and Richmond RCMP, even more illegal items were discovered.
The searches lead to the seizure of over 30 pounds of dried cannabis, multiple litres of cannabis oil, over 3 kilograms of what is believed to be cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and fentanyl, over $93,000 CAD, passports, scales, and various other drug paraphernalia.
Four men between the ages of 20 – 45 were arrested during the Nanaimo searches, however, the individuals have yet to be charged.
“This investigation was extremely complex and demanding as it involved multiple police agencies involved in the planning and coordination required to simultaneously and safely carry out these search warrants,” said Sergeant Rob Christensen, who oversees the Projects Team in a release.
“The assistance from all of the partners was invaluable and they all remain committed to further investigative steps if required. Without their assistance, the Nanaimo Projects Team would not have been able to safely and effectively handle the search efforts in the Lower Mainland.”
The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests and charges are expected to be announced in the upcoming months.
