Drugs, cash, weapons seized as police target crime in downtown West Kelowna

Police in West Kelowna have been targeting crime in the city’s downtown over the past several weeks making arrests and seizing drugs, cash and weapons.

RCMP said officers with the local Crime Reduction Unit have conducted 20 investigations focused on open drug dealing, violent crime and public disorder.

The officers used high-visibility patrols, covert surveillance and operations with other specialized units during the targeted enforcement, RCMP said.

RCMP said the recent efforts are party of a strategy to reduce crime in areas “identified by crime trend analysis and community feedback.”

“Our team is committed to disrupting criminal activity and ensuring residents, business owners, and visitors feel safe in their community,” RCMP Cpl. Bryan Mulrooney said in a media release issued today, Aug. 19.

Officer seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, firearms, knives and bear spray.

“Every weapon seized and every drug dealer taken off the street helps reduce the risk of violence and overdose in our city,” Cpl. Mulrooney said.

RCMP refer to multiple arrests in the media release but didn’t provide any details.