
Back of RCMP officer with BC's Gang Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC)/via Instagram
Kamloops Mounties are keeping somewhat quiet on the operational details themselves.
However, the RCMP has confirmed it’s holding four people in connection with an early Thursday morning series of raids of homes allegedly involved in the drug trade in north Kamloops.
“On Thursday Dec. 5, 2024, a large police presence was visible on the North Shore as part of an ongoing investigation led by the Kamloops RCMP Detachment’s Targeted Enforcement Unit (TEU),” said Kamloops RCMP in a release late Thursday afternoon.
“Search warrants were executed at residential addresses on the 900-block of Tranquille Road, 2100-block of Edgemount Avenue, and the 2500-block of Glenview Avenue,” added police.
The search warrant-led incursions did end up seizing a “significant” amounts of drugs and cash, as well as weapons, according to the RCMP.
Specific details on the seizures have not been outlined.
Kamloops RCMP has confirmed the action on the three locations did involve the RCMP’s Gang Enforcement Team coming up from the Lower Mainland to help pull it off.
It also seemed to have included a certain level of precision and stealth, as the raids drew no obvious attention on Kamloops social media channels until the RCMP put out their initial advisory shortly after 7am to warn residents and drivers to try to avoid the areas involved.
Few other details from the Mounties about the events of Thursday morning are being offered up at this time.
The head of the Kamloops detachment did issue a short statement late Thursday afternoon, confirming the provincial-level assistance.
“As a result of the search warrants, police seized significant amounts of drugs, firearms, and cash as part of an ongoing investigation,” said Superintendent Jeff Pelley, Officer in Charge of the Kamloops RCMP Detachment. “The Kamloops RCMP Detachment is thankful to the Southeast District Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Tactical Unit, as well as the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (CFSEUBC-UGET), for their assistance today and with our ongoing efforts to target those involved in drug trafficking in our community.”
Since the spring, Kamloops has been at the center of an escalating conflict involving rival groups pressing for control of the local drug trade.
A series of arsons, followed by shootings, prompted the RCMP to take the unusual step of publicly identifying the leaders of the two groups involved.
At this point, there’s no indication whether Thursday’s raids are connected to the turf war or not.
“The Kamloops RCMP Detachment is also appreciative of the public’s patience and support during today [Thursday’s] enforcement actions,” concluded the Mounties on Thursday.