RCMP gang squad helps Kelowna officers with guns and drugs crackdown

Officers with the BC RCMP gang squad were in Kelowna last week to help local officers with gun and drug investigations.

Members of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – Uniform Gang Enforcement Team worked alongside Kelowna officers from Jan. 12 to 16, according to an RCMP media release issued today, Jan. 23.

The gang unit also provided specialized training to Okanagan police officers to improve their tactics for the interdiction of weapons, firearms and drugs from repeat violent offenders.

RCMP said over the five days, 20 new investigations were started, 28 arrests were made, more than 20 weapons were seized — including a carbine replica — along with a significant quantity of drugs and about $5,000 in cash.

RCMP don’t say if any charges have been laid or if the 28 suspects arrested are in custody.

“We continue to target individuals within our community who are involved in organized crime and to remove weapons and toxic drugs from our streets,” Sgt. Scott Powrie with the Kelowna RCMP crime reduction section said in the release.

“Through our ongoing collaborations with (the Uniform Gang Enforcement Team) we remain committed to disrupting criminal activity and enhancing community safety.”