RCMP say two Kamloops men are facing a total of 17 charges after a yearlong investigation by the Targeted Enforcement Unit (TEU).
Mounties say they TEU executed two arrest warrants related to drug trafficking and firearms offences on May 1 and 2 this year against 40-year-old Cameron Ronald Ross Cole and 44-year-old Shane Bradley Cameron.
Police say the investigation began after a search warrant at a house on Stagecoach Drive in Batchelor Heights on May 3 of last year led to the seizure of drugs and weapons.
“The continued investigative process related to that significant seizure from last May has led to the charge approvals anticipated at the time, thanks to the hard work and steadfast dedication of our TEU and supporting officers,” Kamloops RCMP Superintendent Jeff Pelley said, in a statement. “We hope that these charge approvals help encourage those in the community to continue to report suspected criminal activity, and feel confident in the investigative process and its subsequent results.”
“The TEU’s mandate includes focusing on local drug traffickers and those associated to presenting the highest level of violence and risk to public safety, which continues to be a strategic priority of the Kamloops RCMP.”
Cole and Cameron are each facing two counts of possessing a controlled substance – fentanyl and methamphetamine – for the purpose of trafficking as well as four firearm offences including possessing a 9 mm Polymer80 model and a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol with readily accessible ammunition without a license or registration; along with one count each of possessing a restricted and a prohibited firearm while prohibited.
Cameron is also charged with possessing cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
Police say other search warrants “recently executed” by the TEU are unrelated to these charges with those outcomes still being investigated.
“Our focus on enforcement strategies to suppress, disrupt, and put ongoing pressure on local drug traffickers doesn’t end with this project. Those involved in criminality are strongly encouraged to consider an exit strategy,” TEU Sergeant Kevin McIntyre said.
Both Cole and Cameron were arrested without incident and released with conditions, which include being monitored by police and a bail supervisor.
The two men have a court date on June 3.