A man from Osoyoos is facing drug trafficking allegations following a province-wide RCMP investigation police say resulted in numerous members of the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang being investigated over the course of several months.
On Saturday, police say eight senior members of the Hells Angels were charged with conspiracy to import and traffic 500 kilograms of cocaine.
Osoyoos resident Kevin Van Kalkeren has been charged with conspiracy to import a controlled substance and conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance. He was scheduled to make his first court appearance to answer to charges on Monday, Aug. 27.
The RCMP announced arrests in a significant Federal Drug Enforcement Branch led investigation, which netted $4 million of alleged drug money.
The criminal organization investigation, dubbed E-PREDICATE, lasted more than 20 months and benefited from contributions on the part of RCMP detachments and specialized units throughout the Southeast District, various U.S. law enforcement agencies, the Mexican federal police and Panamanian authorities, said an RCMP press release.
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada also worked diligently throughout the investigation to provide timely legal advice on a priority basis, say police.
The prosecution will proceed directly to trial with the approval of a direct indictment. The investigation focused on allegations that marijuana was being produced in the Southeast District and trafficked in B.C. and elsewhere to fund the importation of cocaine to Canada, say police.
“This investigation demonstrated how organized criminal groups engaged in drug trafficking have no respect for municipal, provincial or international borders,” said Superintendent Brian Cantera, officer in charge of the RCMP Drug Enforcement Branch in B.C. “More concerning is the complete disregard these groups show for Canadian families and public safety, both of which pay the devastating price exacted for criminal profits.”
“This investigation clearly demonstrates the international and domestic capabilities of the RCMP when the full weight of the organization is brought to bear,” says RCMP Assistant Commissioner Wayne Rideout of the Organized Crime and Investigative Services.
“I want to personally congratulate all of the many men and women who worked tirelessly and under pressure to deliver on behalf of all Canadians. Serious and organized criminal groups will continue to be the primary focus of the RCMP federal resources across Canada, as will the commitment to work in close co-operation with provincial and municipal partners towards public safety.”
On Saturday, multiple search warrants were executed following the arrest of four primary targets and their associates in the Lower Mainland. Searches took place in Kelowna, Osoyoos and Coquitlam and included the clubhouse of the Kelowna chapter of the Hells Angels, say police. Searches recovered an assault rifle, handguns, over $200,000 and further evidence to support the charges.