Year-long investigation ends with weapons charges against Kelowna suspects

A year ago members of a Kelowna RCMP enforcement unit executed a search warrant as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

At the time, in March of 2025, officers with the Proactive Enforcement Unit seized weapons, including firearms, and a small quality of drugs.

Charges have now been laid against two suspects, Lindsey Smith, 41, and Austin Pedersen, 25, both of Kelowna.

“Our investigative teams are committed to completing thorough, evidence driven files,” Staff Sgt. Desmond Kiehlbauch said in an RCMP media release issued today, March 18. “This case required careful, detailed work to ensure we could present the strongest possible evidence before the courts.”

Smith faces two counts of possession of prohibited or restricted firearm and ammunition without a licence or registration, one count of possession of prohibited device without a licence, one count of possession of a firearm while prohibited, one count of possession of ammunition while prohibited, and one count of possession of a prohibited device while prohibited.

Pedersen faces one count of possession of prohibited or restricted firearm without a licence or registration, one count of possession of a firearm while prohibited and one count of possession of ammunition while prohibited.

Both Smith and Pedersen are in custody and waiting for bail hearings.

“Our focus remains on public safety and holding individuals accountable through a comprehensive investigative process,” Staff Sgt. Kiehlbauch said.