Kamloops RCMP say two women were arrested earlier this week after a “street-level drug enforcement initiative” that began two years ago.

In a statement, spokesperson Const. Crystal Evelyn says the Kamloops RCMP Targeted Enforcement Unit (TEU) arrested Jennifer Lindsay Manuel, 38, of Clearwater, and Alina May Ortloff, 40, of Kamloops.

They have both been charged with three counts of possessing controlled drugs – including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine – for the purpose of trafficking.

Evelyn says the charges come after an investigation which began in June 2019 when a TEU street-level drug investigation revealed links between suspected local drug traffickers and drug suppliers associated with the Brothers Keepers, a Lower Mainland street gang.

Police say while monitoring Manuel’s involvement in the drug trade, the TEU seized more than $100,000 in cash; kilos of drugs, and more than half a dozen firearms and silencers, noting some of their investigations are still ongoing.

“While TEU and CFSEU-BC were conducting their own long-term projects, in doing so, they were also actively disrupting and interfering with relationship building between Kamloops drug traffickers and LMD gangs, and in doing so, our enforcement and disruption have been impactful in enhancing community safety,” Kamloops RCMP Inspector Jeff Pelley said.

“The investigations and arrests which stemmed from this project also led to the removal of guns, cash, and drugs, bringing necessary enforcement to these criminals and their activities, and most of all, preventing other priority threats within the trade from becoming established in Kamloops.”

Police say while the approval of charges is a positive step forward, there is still a lot of work to be done to address the illegal drug trade in Kamloops.

“The investigators involved in this project personally invested countless hours away from their homes and families, collecting evidence and building a case strong enough to receive charge approval,” Sgt. Todd Woon of the TEU said.

“It was their commitment and dedication to the community that saw this case not just make it to this stage in the legal process, but also grow into other investigations, arrests and the seizure of dangerous and illegal drugs and weapons.”

Police say anyone with information related to criminal activity in their neighbourhood is encouraged to contact them at 250-828-3000.

“The Kamloops RCMP Detachment, led by the TEU team, will continue to target organized crime in our communities,” Kamloops RCMP Supt. Syd Lecky said. “This is in alignment with our strategic priorities targeting organized crime, with the goal to suppress the violence it creates and the threat to public safety.”