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Kamloops RCMP say multiple charges have been laid as a result of an investigation targeting a Red Scorpions drug trafficking ring.
Cpl. Jodi Shelkie said in a media release the charges laid on November 30th are the result of multiple operations undertaken by the Kamloops Targeted Enforcement unit between October 2016 and March 2017.
Shelkie said, during the course of the six-month investigation, Kamloops RCMP seized $191,445 in cash, 1.3 kg of cocaine, 56 grams of heroin, 448 grams of fentanyl, 717 grams of methamphetamine, 231 grams of MDMA and one firearm.
On December 7th, RCMP arrested 30-year-old Brandon Chappell and 23-year-old Erwin Gagle, both from Kamloops. Shelkie said RCMP have issued a warrant for 29-year-old Gregory Wilson of the Lower Mainland. All three were previously known to police.
On December 1st, 2016 a substantial quantity of cash was seized after a vehicle was stopped North of Merritt. As a result, charges have been laid against Wilson and Chappell for possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
On January 14th, 2017 Kamloops RCMP executed search warrants at Heavy Metal Gym and Chappell’s residence.
Shelkie said they found another substantial quantity of cash, drugs and a firearm at Chappell’s home. Charges were laid against Chappell for possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Shelkie said RCMP also executed additional search warrants on March 30th, 2017 at Chappell’s residence and the residence of Erwin Dagle. Within Chappell’s home, RCMP say they found a large sum of cash, resulting in a third charge of possession of property obtained by crime.
At Dagle’s home, Shelkie said RCMP located and seized cash, bulk supplies of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil. He has been charged with five counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.
Shelkie said additional operations executed by Kamloops RCMP included the arrest of street-level traffickers and the execution of a search warrant at a hotel room, during which additional bulk supplies of controlled substances were seized.
Shelkie said those matters have been forwarded to Crown for charge approval against several other people associated with this group.
“Kamloops RCMP prioritize the investigation of violent organized crime groups who traffic drugs in our community,” said Staff Sgt. Simon Pillay in a media release.
“The investigations are lengthy and complex in nature as the targets are typically sophisticated and dedicate their full time to committing these crimes as secretly as possible. This case is an example of the motivated nature of those allegedly involved. Despite overt enforcement action, these drug activities continued on until those involved were eventually arrested and charged.”
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