(Western News file photo)

(Western News file photo)

Penticton undercover operation nets drug arrests near high school

RCMP arrested five people for drug related charges near Penticton high school and library

Penticton RCMP arrested five people for drug related charges during an undercover operation near Penticton Secondary School.

“Last Wednesday and Thursday the drug unit and CSET (Community Safety Enforcement Team) were out doing surveillence and undercover work at Pen High, specifically, and the library grounds,” said Const. James Grandy, adding it was an area hit hard by this type of activity recently.

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Grandy, who added that the Street Enforcement Unit was also part of the operation, said he believes there will be seven charges laid on the five people arrested related to drug possession and distribution.

“Including one person who was (allegedly) buying drugs and also impaired by liquor as well so they got an IRP for that,” said Grandy.

Grandy later clarified that there were two individuals charged with driving while intoxicated and driving while suspended, which resulted in one vehicle being impounded.

“Our officers are aware of the issues caused by the opioid crisis, addictions issues and the resulting property crimes affecting people and business owners in our community and are striving to target those responsible,” said Grandy.

Supt. Ted De Jager said the priority is to go after higher level drug dealers, however dealing drugs near a high school is just “a bad move.”

“We really we want to start interdicting the flow of drugs into the community and that is what we are working on,” said De Jager.

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