RCMP
RCMP executed three search warrants in Cranbrook simultaneously in the morning of Dec. 4, resulting in the arrest of five persons and seizure of drugs, cash and a firearms.
An investigation by the Cranbrook/Kimberley Crime Reduction unit linked several persons and three locations together known to be trafficking in drugs.
Three search warrants were obtained under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act. Over twelve officers from Cranbrook, Kimberley, Police Dog Service and Forensic Identification Services executed the warrants at the same time to avoid subjects alerting others of police action.
Two warrants were for residences on Standard Hill Road, one was for a residence on 12th Street N in Cranbrook Once inside the residences officers seized Cocaine, Fentanyl (disguised as Oxycotin), several thousand dollars, several firearms, one loaded and evidence to support trafficking charges.
Five males have been arrested. One of the subjects was on parole and had been released from jail only a few weeks ago. He was in possession of a knife and bear spray at the time. One subject has been released for court in the new year, while the others will be appearing before a Judicial Justice of the Peace by way of telephone conference later today.
This was an excellent team effort by a number of officers and units based in Cranbrook and Kimberley. The investigation, planning and execution of the warrants was professional with the five being taken into custody without incident
, Cpl. Chris Newel, Kimberley RCMP.
The arrest of these subjects will disrupt the drug trade and send a message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated. Although the arrests took place in Cranbrook we know drug networks such as these have connections to other East Kootenay communities
, S/Sgt Hector Lee, Cranbrook RCMP Detachment Commander.
