NANAIMO, BC — A significant quantity of suspected illicit drugs and a firearm were seized following an investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) in Nanaimo.
CFSEU-BC’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET) was deployed to Nanaimo from June 5–7, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt gang-related activity and drug trafficking.
On the afternoon of June 5, UGET officers were conducting proactive patrols in the area of Strickland Avenue and Robin Street, a location known for drug trafficking concerns. During the patrol, officers observed activity consistent with a dial-a-dope drug trafficking operation and attempted to stop a suspect vehicle.
The driver failed to stop and fled the area. UGET officers did not engage in a pursuit, instead maintained observations and coordinated with partner agencies.
RCMP Air Services, already operating in the area, did aerial surveillance of the vehicle. UGET officers worked alongside Nanaimo RCMP and Nanaimo Police Dog Services (PDS) to track the suspects and coordinate a safe arrest. Nanaimo PDS successfully located and arrested the female passenger, while the male driver was arrested a short distance away for Flight from a Peace Officer.
During the investigation, officers recovered a bag believed to have been discarded by the suspects. The bag contained more than one kilogram of suspected illicit drugs, including suspected cocaine, fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, and illicit pills. Officers also seized a .22 calibre pen gun concealed inside the bag.
The male driver was later released on an undertaking in relation to the Flight from a Peace Officer investigation. Additional charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offences are anticipated as the investigation remains ongoing.
“The Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET) brings specialized expertise and intelligence-led approaches that support frontline policing efforts here in Nanaimo, while RCMP Air Services provides a critical layer of support that allows officers to monitor situations safely and effectively. By combining these resources and working closely with local units, we’re able to respond to complex, localized concerns like drug trafficking in a coordinated way that prioritizes public safety and community well-being,” said Inspector Donovan Tait, Operations Officer, Nanaimo RCMP.
“The UGET deployment to Vancouver Island supports local police agencies of jurisdiction with dedicated gang enforcement resources, intelligence-led investigations, and coordinated operations,” says Sgt. Sarbjit. K. Sangha, Media Relations Officer for CFSEU-BC. “Through strong partnerships and strategic enforcement efforts that produce results like these, UGET helps disrupt criminal networks and strengthen public safety throughout the region.”
