Six arrested in Oliver
[b]By Julie TurnerrnOsoyoos Times[/b]
In the biggest drug seizure ever made in the Oliver/Osoyoos area, six Oliver residents were arrested early last Wednesday, March 22, as a result of a two-month drug investigation.
One of the individuals arrested had also been arrested previously in relation to drug trafficking and search warrant executions at an Osoyoos residence.
Approximately 25 members from the Penticton RCMP Drug Task Force, South Okanagan Detachments and the District Emergency Response Team raided three Oliver residences. They found a substantial 12 ounces of cocaine, prohibited weapons (including handguns, ammunition and a crossbow) and stolen property, along with $35,000 in cash. Opium and marijuana were also discovered.
The suspects were arrested without incident and face charges of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property and weapons offences.
Multiple charges have been laid against: 38-year-old Jorowar Ganger (male), 38-year-old Ravinder Singh Ganger (female), 38-year-old Laurie Ann Williams, and 34-year-old Afshin Ighani (male). All are scheduled to appear in Penticton Provincial Court on April 3.
Penticton Corporal Rick Dellebuur said enforcement in the Penticton area has resulted in criminal activity moving to other communities in the South Okanagan. Many vehicles stolen in Penticton have shown up in Osoyoos and Oliver and Dellebuur stressed the drug and theft crimes are region-wide.
We realized we had to get involved with the South Okanagan detachments to share resources and do joint efforts. Our detachments will continue to work to enforce and ensure that people realize these communities aren't open for criminal activity, said Dellebuur.
He said police will investigate further to determine if the three drug residences are connected.
Dellebuur clarified the residences were not grow-ops but were trafficking operations.
The two males and one of the females are not Canadian citizens, and police have notified Immigration.
The three Oliver residences investigated Wednesday were at 97th and 384th Avenue, 73rd and 371st Avenue and 95th and 306th Avenue.
Officers say the investigation will continue, with further arrests expected.
