Three searches, one arrest in Tk’emlups pot shop raids

Cops seized illegal cigarettes and cannabis in three raids this week on the Tk’emlups reserve.

The raids resulted in one arrest and a “substantial” amount of cannabis and tobacco seizures in a collaboration between Kamloops RCMP and BC Ministry of Finance investigators, according to a news release.

The local gang squad supported the Tuesday morning seizures “due to the potential ties” between contraband tobacco and organized crime, Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley said in the release.

“It’s still early in this investigation and we’re not saying there is necessarily a specific link to this ongoing investigation, but it is something we are mindful of and proactive towards in our endeavour to enforce and suppress criminal activity in our communities,” he said.

The raids, all part of the same investigation, took place at two Tk’emlups businesses and a home around 9 a.m., May 13. Though police did arrest one person, they were released without process and the investigation remains ongoing.