Kelowna Hells Angels accused of importing 200kg of cocaine await judge’s decision in Vancouver

KELOWNA – The trial of two Kelowna Hell’s Angels members charged with conspiring to import cocaine has concluded in B.C. Supreme Court.

Police say David Giles and Brian Oldham, as well as James Howard, Michael Read and Shawn Womacks were arrested in 2012 after undercover police posing as South American drug dealers arranged to work together to sell 200kg of cocaine.

The investigation took 20 months and involved law enforcement from Canada, United States, Mexico and Panama. After the arrest, investigators found $4 million in money alleged to have come from narcotics.

The trial, which began in February, involved several undercover police who contributed to the investigation. According to Kim Bolan of the Vancouver Sun, defence lawyers for the five men say although they planned to sell the drugs they were not involved in the importation.

Justice Carol Ross plans to deliver her decision Sept. 30.

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