West Kelowna RCMP arrest 50 people in ‘Project Deadbolt’

West Kelowna RCMP have been working on a project to target violent and drug-related crimes, and the results of officers’ efforts have come in. 

The initiative dubbed Project Deadbolt made roughly 50 arrests, including three people with outstanding warrants. Police seized more than 500 grams of drugs, seized more than $30,000 in property and $10,000 in cash, according to a press release from police issued today, Oct. 14. 

Officers also seized dozens of weapons, including a loaded handgun, and recovered four stolen cars. 

“Project Deadbolt demonstrates the ongoing commitment of our detachment to target those responsible for violent and drug-related offences that harm our community,” Staff Sgt. Brendan Dolan said in the release. “This type of coordinated enforcement sends a strong message that criminal activity will not be tolerated in West Kelowna.”

The project was carried out by the West Kelowna RCMP’s proactive enforcement units like the Crime Reduction Unit, Drug Section and Traffic Section. 

The effort was funded by the provincial government’s Safer Communities through Targeted Enforcement program. 

The goal was to target repeat offenders and get drugs off the street.