By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The arrest in Osoyoos of a wanted, high-risk offender on Feb. 13 was part of a larger enforcement effort by the RCMP’s integrated, anti-gang agency, it said yesterday.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC) in the Okanagan said in a statement that it had “dealt a significant blow to organized crime in the region, disrupting drug trafficking operations and removing dangerous weapons and offenders from local communities.”
From February 11 to 14, 2026, CFSEU-BC’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET) was deployed to Princeton, Penticton, Oliver and Osoyoos in response to what it said was “ongoing drug trafficking activity and emerging violence in the region.”
Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC) seized items.
CFSEU-BC photo
In Osoyoos, UGET officers worked alongside the Osoyoos RCMP and the South East District Emergency Response Team to safely arrest Afshin Maleki Ighani, a wanted high-risk offender. Officers seized quantities of illicit drugs, cash, and weapons including firearms and recovered a stolen vehicle.
“This deployment demonstrates the critical role UGET plays in repressing violence and restoring safety in communities impacted by gang activity and drug trafficking,” said Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha Media Relations Officer of CFSEU-BC.
“By targeting those who drive violence and instability, we are not only disrupting criminal networks but also preventing further harm. Our focus remains clear: remove dangerous offenders, take weapons off the streets, and protect the people who live and work in these communities.”
Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC) seized items.
CFSEU-BC photo
Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC) seized items.
CFSEU-BC photo
During the four-day deployment, UGET officers arrested multiple individuals on outstanding warrants and for drug trafficking offences, it said.
“This operation highlights the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to protecting Okanagan communities,” said Superintendent Beth McAndie, Officer in Charge of Penticton RCMP
“Through coordinated enforcement with CFSEU-BC, Penticton Regional Crime Reduction Unit and Frontline Teams, we were able to safely apprehend high-risk offenders and disrupt drug trafficking activity before it escalated further. Our goal is not only enforcement, but prevention reducing the potential for violence and keeping our communities safe.”
Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC) seized items.
CFSEU-BC photo
CFSEU-BC said it continues to work in close partnership with local RCMP detachments and municipal police agencies to identify and target individuals involved in organized crime and gang-related violence throughout British Columbia.
Anyone with information about gang activity or drug trafficking is encouraged to contact their local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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