Image Credit: RCMP
Crime

Five arrested in largest ever Quesnel drug bust

Aug 30, 2022 | 1:27 PM

QUESNEL — Mounties in Quesnel were busy over the weekend.

RCMP say five people were arrested after the Quesnel Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) executed search warrants on three houses and seized a large quantity of cocaine, cash, and firearms.

“On August 27, the Quesnel Crime Reduction Unit brought a drug trafficking investigation to conclusion with the arrest of the suspects in a commercial parking lot off Newman Road in Quesnel,” says Sgt. Clay Kronebusch.

“After the arrest, three search warrants were executed on properties on Ash Street, Eagle Road, and Pollard Road.”

Along with the arrests, police seized just under five kilograms of cocaine, $92,500 in cash, and 15 firearms.

During the investigation CRU received assistance from the following units that are based out of Williams Lake and Prince George: Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU), the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST), Quesnel General Investigation Section, the Cariboo Crime Reduction Unit and Police Dog Services (PDS).

“This investigation resulted in the largest drug seizure for the Quesnel RCMP. The partnership with other assisting police units was crucial to the success,” said S/Sgt. Richard Weseen, the Detachment Commander of the Quesnel RCMP.

“The amount of cocaine and money seized during this investigation speaks to the sheer volume of illicit drugs this group was distributing in the area,” said Cpl. Matt Isaak, of the Crime Reduction Unit. “By confiscating 15 firearms from this criminal network, we were able to reduce the chance of violence, which is also associated to the drug trade.”

RCMP say all five men were released from custody. Charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and firearm related charges will be forwarded to the Public Prosecution Service for charge assessment.

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