Fort St. John operation nets drugs, $14,000 cash, weapons

A four-day police operation in Fort St. John, B.C., launched in response to rising violence in the community, led to several arrests and the seizure of about 210 grams of suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, police say.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia said its North District Uniform Gang Enforcement Team worked with Fort St. John RCMP from Oct. 22 to 25 in the city and surrounding areas. Officers targeted people suspected of drug trafficking, weapons offences and other crimes they said posed a risk to public safety.

Police said they arrested multiple people in connection with drug trafficking, weapons offences and outstanding warrants. They also seized about $14,000 in cash and several weapons, including a machete, knives, mace and an axe.

The unit did not say how many people were arrested, whether any charges have been laid or approved, or what specific violence prompted the deployment. It announced the results on Nov. 9, about two weeks after the operation ended.

“Removing illicit drugs, weapons and criminal proceeds from our streets helps reduce the harm associated with drug trafficking and violence,” S/Sgt. Scott Watson, acting commander of the Fort St. John RCMP detachment, said in a statement.

Sgt. Sarbjit Sangha, a spokesperson for the enforcement unit, said drug trafficking and related violence have “a significant impact on communities, particularly in northern B.C.”

The North District team works with police across northern British Columbia on gang activity and drug trafficking. It is the second time this fall the unit has reported results from a deployment in Fort St. John; in September it announced firearms and drug seizures from an earlier operation in the city.

Source: Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia.

Cash, suspected drugs, a can of mace and cellphones seized during the Fort St. John operation. Photo: CFSEU-BC handout.