Kamloops RCMP crackdown on drugs and gangs leads to large seizure of weapons in Chase

“This ongoing investigation was deliberate and a strategic response intended to impact the localized violence associated to firearms, public shootings and the local drug conflict,” Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley said Thursday.

Pelley also said the investigation was a “deliberate and strategic response” aimed at reducing the impact of violence in the community. He also suggested that the incident is connected to the recent uptick in violence linked to an organized crime.

“Approximately one year ago, the community saw the impact of violence in our neighborhoods in public between criminals involved in this actual drug conflict,” he said. “Since then, the Target Enforcement Unit, with the support of localized and provincial resources, have worked continuously to reinforce our zero tolerance stance on firearm related offenses.”

“The continued pressure our Target Enforcement Unit has put on these individuals in the drug trafficking conflict is a testament to the 24/7 work of all our officers to remove and disrupt illegal activities from spilling into the public realm, where it puts bystanders and the innocent at risk.”

Pelley also said it is “extremely fortunate” that there haven’t been any injuries to bystanders as a result of the ongoing violence. He also said Kamloops Mounties are working on this investigation and that charges are expected to be approved.

“It’s important to note that our investigators are still processing exhibits and this is a sample of what was seized during one particular investigation,” Pelley said.

“By apprehending key individuals within the chain linked to firearms trafficking, we have reinforced our zero-tolerance stance on firearms related to crime and have sent a clear deterrent message to violent offenders,” he added.

“The significant disruption to armed criminal networks not only removes dangerous weapons from circulation, but also degrades their capabilities of those who would use them to harm our community and we will continue these efforts.”

Kamloops Mounties also collected machinery being used to manufacture firearms, including 3D printers.

“The 3D printed guns, manufactured firearms, we are seeing receivers from pellet guns changed into actual firearms, we are seeing legitimate firearms and the manufacturing of some of these firearms are untraceable,” added Pelley.

Image Credit: Kent Simmonds/CFJC Today

by Victor Kaisar

Kamloops RCMP crackdown on drugs and gangs leads to large seizure of weapons in Chase

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