International Drug Investigation Nets $195,000 in Cocaine and Marihuana 

January 23 2001  10:00 am

Langley, B.C.

In August 2000 the Organized Crime Agency of B.C. was requested by the Langley Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, to participate in an international drug investigation involving Canadian and U.S. citizens, and the trafficking of B.C. bud marihuana into the United States.

The Organized Crime Agency commenced its portion of this investigation by conducting surveillance on a private residence in the Sumas area of the Fraser Valley. During the ensuing investigation, OCABC members executed search warrants on 16 banking institutions, 3 private residences and 1 local business. These efforts resulted in the arrests of 4 adult males and the seizure of the following:

  • 1 Aerospeciale Astar 350 Helicopter
  • approx value $600,000
  • 3 kilograms of cocaine
  • approx value $120,000
  • 20 lbs. of packaged marihuana
  • approx value $75,000
  • 2 loaded handguns
  • several shotguns and rifles
  • 4 tazers
  • 2 crossbows
  • $350,000 U.S. currency
  • $110,000 Can. currency

All of the subjects arrested will face criminal charges that include but are not limited to; trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, exportation, conspiracy to traffic possess and export, laundering the proceeds of crime, possession of restricted and prohibited weapons and, possession of property obtained through the proceeds of crime.

The success of this investigation has been realized through the pooling of domestic and international resources and by employing a multi disciplinary approach to attacking this highly organized criminal group. This collaborative action by Canadian and American law enforcement agencies, clearly demonstrates the positive effect that can be achieved when traditional jurisdictional boundaries are transcended and strategic operational partnerships are formed.