RCMP break up Vernon fentanyl trafficking group

VERNON – Police busted up a North Okanagan fentanyl drug trafficking group earlier this week, resulting in arrests of two Vernon men.

On Dec. 12, the Vernon-North Okanagan RCMP targeted policing unit located and apprehended a 50-year-old man at the 2300 block on 43 Street for possessing drugs for the purpose of trafficking. It was believed the man was using his vehicle to traffic drugs.

Further investigation led officers to arrest a 25-year-old man at an address on Browne Road in connection to the drug trafficking group, according to an RCMP media release. On Dec. 13, police executed a search warrant of the Browne address, seizing two restricted handguns, a large quantity of Canadian cash, body armour, a sizable amount of what police believe to be fentanyl and various drug trafficking-related items.

"Getting a large amount of fentanyl and firearms off the street is important for public safety, which remains our top priority," Sgt. David Evans with the targeted policing unit said in the release.

The 50-year-old man is facing possible charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, while the 25-year-old man is facing a similar charge along with firearm related charges. Both men were released from custody on conditions with a future court date.

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