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Paperwork recently filed at the Penticton Law Courts has revealed the details of a wild cross-border drug bust that occurred this summer.
In June, Canadian and American officials were alerted of a planned drug deal involving 200 kilograms of methamphetamine scheduled to be picked up 110 kilometres south of Princeton, BC, in Washington State.
However, US officials staking out the landing site reported an unmarked, black helicopter bailed on the pickup operation and fled north into Canadian airspace.
Those officials then proceeded to arrest two men leaving the landing site that led to the seizure of 188 kilograms of methamphetamine.
The unmarked helicopter continued to fly into Canadian airspace where an RCMP plane began pursuing the drug chopper near E.C. Manning Provincial Park.
"The helicopter took deliberate evasive action, attempting to lose surveillance," the documents say.
"The helicopter flew at very low altitudes, near the tops of trees and up narrow draws. It repeatedly changed direction, and made rapid ascents up towards the mountains.
"The helicopter varied its speed in an attempt to outrun the RCMP aircraft, and slowed down to have the RCMP aircraft overtake it."
Following a 45 minute chase, the chopper landed at a rural property near Chilliwack.
Officers raided the property, where they seized 72 long guns, 35 hand guns, ammunition, cellphone jammers, U.S. government helicopter decals, drones and currency from Canada, the U.S. and Mexico.
The investigation has since turned up an additional 84 kilograms of drugs, bringing the total amount of seized contraband to 272 kilograms.
Two men were arrested at the Chilliwack property in relation to the investigation.
With files from the Canadian Press.
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