Image Credit: CFSEU-BC

By Victor Kaisar

Kamloops Raids

CFSEU-BC says December raids in Kamloops were connected to ongoing Lower Mainland drug investigation

Mar 2, 2025 | 3:45 PM

VANCOUVER — The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC) says one man is facing drugs and weapons charges connected to an alleged drug trafficking network in the Lower Mainland and the Interior, including Kamloops.

In a news release dated Feb. 28, CFSEU-BC – the RCMP’s anti-gang unit – says a series of raids in Kamloops on Dec. 5, 2024 were connected to an investigation that began in July last year.

“The investigative team uncovered that the drug trafficking network [in the Lower Mainland] was wide spread and had ties in Kamloops,” the CFSEU-BC release said.

Four people were arrested after police swarmed three Kamloops houses – in the 900-block of Tranquille Road, the 2100-block of Edgemount Avenue, and the 2500-block of Glenview Avenue – on Dec. 5.

The CFSEU-BC says those raids led to the seizure of 10 kilograms of methamphetamines (3.5 kgs), fentanyl (4.5 kgs), and cocaine (2 kgs), as well as two prohibited firearms, and $111,000 in cash.

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“The efforts of our TEU members and partner agencies has been commendable to say the least, with countless hours dedicated to help address the drug-conflict in Kamloops and reduce the risk to public safety,” Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley said in the news release.

“Focusing on local drug traffickers and those associated to presenting the highest level of violence and risk remains a strategic priority of our detachment, and we look forward to more successes in the future.”

According to the CFSEU-BC, another seven search warrants were executed at vehicles, a storage locker and four houses in Vancouver and Burnaby on Feb. 20 this year. One of the properties, a condo in Vancouver, contained a “small-scale clandestine lab,” according to police.

In total, police say they seized two kilograms of a “suspected illicit substance,” 18 firearms, ammunition, extended magazines, silencers, six body armour vests, smoke grenades, radio jammers, tracking devices and balaclavas, and about $200,000 in cash, about $100,000 of which was fake.

They also say while three men were arrested in connection to the Feb. 20 raids, one of them – 31-year-old Daniel Penton – has been charged. According to a 2015 Vancouver Sun article, Penton is “a known firearms trafficker with significant gang ties.”

Police say Penton is in custody facing charges for possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possessing 13 firearms and ammunition without a licence, and for possessing prohibited devices like silencers and oversized magazines. He is also facing charges for possessing firearms and accessories while prohibited.

“This significant seizure of illegal drugs, firearms and cash represent a major victory in our ongoing efforts to keep our community safe,” Insp. Mark Goodall of the CFSEU-BC said.

“By dismantling criminal operations that fuel violence and addiction, we are not only preventing harm to individuals, but also protecting the integrity of our neighbourhoods.”