Nineteen people are facing multiple drug trafficking charges as a result of an RCMP investigation in northeastern B.C.
The investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s (CFSEU-BC) North District Team that resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of drugs, firearms, cash, and the arrest of several individuals.
The investigation began in June 2022, with the team working with police in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Fort Nelson to probe people believed to be engaged in drug trafficking and violent activity causing harm and posing a risk to community safety, CFSEU spokesperson Sgt. Brenda Winpenny said.
She said the work “unveiled an alleged drug trafficking network causing significant harm to the Peace Region communities.”
Among items seized in the investigation were 11.5 kilograms of cocaine, almost four kilograms of methamphetamine and 17.5 kilograms of marijuana. Police also seized five vehilces, 34 guns, ammunition, body armour, brass knuckles and $166,460 in cash.
The 19 men and women facing drug trafficking charges range in age from 27 to 63.
Winpenny said CFSEU-BC is requesting the public’s assistance in locating the eight people, all male and all from Fort St. John, who have outstanding arrest warrants:
• Cody Mackenzie Grendus, 36;
• Josh Michael Malanowich, 28;
• William Clayton McLennan, 34;
• Joseph Alexander Sandeson, 49;
• Miles Dean Savard, 29;
• Daniel Kakonde Tshimba, 37;
• Brandon Ronan Stuckless, 31;
• Sheldon Dean Horne, 37.
