Skip to main content
crime

The RCMP seized 110 guns, busted three grow-ops and confiscated an array of drugs following a 14-month investigation into organized crime in Northern B.C.

The investigation focused on drug trafficking in Terrace, located 1,300 kilometres north of Vancouver.

Police found more than 500 pot plants and a kilogram-and-a-half of cocaine, as well as ecstasy, hashish, magic mushrooms and prescription drugs.

"This organized crime group posed a significant threat to the safety and well-being of our community," Inspector Dana Hart, the officer in charge of the Terrace detachment, told reporters in Surrey Monday.

"The successful enforcement actions we are discussing today represent a strong reminder that smaller communities are not exempt from violence and fear."

They say some of the long guns found at two of the five residences searched were loaded and readily accessible to the occupants.

The investigation was led by the federal drug enforcement team.

Police did not release the name of the organized crime group involved in the trafficking in the community of 11,000.

So far, Dave Edwardsen has been charged with 11 drug trafficking and firearms offences. Mr. Edwardsen made a brief court appearance Sept. 20 and has been remanded in custody until his next court date on Oct. 5.

"Additional charges are expected to be laid in the near future against further members of the criminal group," Superintendent Brian Cantera, the officer in charge of the drug enforcement branch in B.C., told reporters.

The Canadian Press

Interact with The Globe