Kelowna woman charged after trying to smuggle 35 kg of cocaine into B.C.

WEST KELOWNA – A large amount of drugs found in a hidden compartment in the trunk of a car over the summer have led to charges against a Kelowna woman.

Charges of were laid against Caitlin Christine Gladdish, 26, over the weekend for trying to bring more than 35 kilograms of cocaine into Trail, B.C. over the summer. Her charges include importation of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Gladdish had the massive amount of drugs, the largest in Kootenay history, in a hidden compartment of her Volkswagen Jetta on July 26, 2014. According to Insp. Brian Gately the cocaine was hidden inside a sophisticated compartment built into the trunk of the car. The carpeted, metal cover was controlled by a switch wired to electric actuators.

Canada Border Services Agent Lorne Black says this is the single largest cocaine bust in Kootenay history. He notes because of the size and amount of effort involved it is likely tied to organized crime.

“This significant seizure… shows how collaboration with other law enforcement agencies such as the RCMP can effectively help to prevent criminal activity in Canada,” he said at a press conference in West Kelowna Monday morning.

The narcotics were turned over to RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime who confirmed it was cocaine.

Last year B.C. Border Services seized a total of 294 kg of cocaine through land, air and marine ports.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Adam Proskiw at aproskiw@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-0428. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.