RCMP arrest Okanagan cocaine dealers in Vernon, Kelowna and Kamloops

OKANAGAN — Vernon North-Okanagan RCMP have concluded an investigation into a local drug trafficker associated with dealers in other parts of the Okanagan.

Last Friday, members of the Vernon North-Okanagan detachment, working in conjunction with members of the Kelowna detachment drug section and street enforcement units, arrested three men for trafficking cocaine after the more than month-long investigation.

A 23-year-old Vernon man was arrested while driving on Westside Road. "This male was found in possession of 4.5 ounces of cocaine and has been released for a future court date to face charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking," RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk said.

A 27-year-old Kelowna man was arrested at his residence in the 600 block of Oxford Avenue the same day. "A search warrant was executed on the residence which located approximately six ounces of cocaine, approximately $60,000 and related drug trafficking paraphernalia," Molendyk said.

The Kelowna man has been released for a future court date to face charges of trafficking and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

A 25-year-old Vernon man was arrested in Kamloops.  A search warrant was executed on his residence on Westside Road and four ounces of cocaine and related drug trafficking paraphernalia were seized.

"The subjects arrested in this investigation are believed to be responsible for a large volume of cocaine trafficking in the Okanagan area," Molendyk said, adding the investigation could not have been brought to a successful conclusion without the cooperation and assistance of Kelowna's combined forces special enforcement unit and municipal detachment.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call (250)309-5230. Follow on Twitter @charhelston