Kelowna RCMP formed a permanent gang task force more than a month ago that will be focused on organized crime and drug trafficking in the city.

The Kelowna Gang Enforcement Team, which was made operational, Sept. 15, has four officers with training and experience in organized crime, trafficking and firearms, according to an RCMP media release issued today, Oct. 26.

RCMP said the new team will work with the existing Crime Reduction Unit and intelligence analysts in an effort to identify, target and “dismantle organized criminal activity”.

The unit also targets profits from organized crime including cash, vehicles and other assets for seizure under B.C.’s civil forfeiture act.

During the four-month pilot project officers with the team seized 12 kilograms of illegal drugs and 215 weapons including 10 firearms.

Kelowna has its own gang enforcement task force | iNFOnews.ca — Some of the drugs, a cell phone, cash, weapons and a firearm seized. SUBMITTED/RCMP

Since the gang unit became permanent a month ago, it has seized 1.8 kilograms of illegal drugs, 71 weapons, two firearms and seven imitation guns.

RCMP don’t say what kinds of drugs, weapons or firearms were seized nor if any arrests were made.

“The results achieved during the pilot project clearly demonstrated the value of having a dedicated team focused on organized crime,” Sgt. Scott Powrie with the crime reduction unit said in the release.

He went on to say the new team adds an additional layer of safety for frontline officers it works with.