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Kamloops City
2025-05-15 16:02 PDT
File # 2024-33213
Multiple bags marked as ‘evidence’ were loaded into Kamloops police vehicles Tuesday, as part of a joint investigation into the sale of contraband tobacco.
On Tuesday, May 13, 2025, around 9 a.m., B.C. Ministry of Finance investigators joined Kamloops RCMP Detachment frontline officers, the Targeted Enforcement Unit, and the Crime Reduction Unit to execute search warrants at two commercial locations and a residence on Ricardo Road, Chief Louis Way, and the 600-block of Shuswap Road. A substantial amount of contraband cannabis and tobacco products, as well as cash, was seized as a result of the enforcement action. All three locations are connected to the same investigation.
This joint project, which included our provincial partners, was initiated by members of our Tk’emlúps and Kamloops RCMP city detachments and carried out with the support of our Targeted Enforcement Unit due to the potential ties contraband tobacco can often have to organized crime, said Superintendent Jeff Pelley, the Kamloops RCMP Detachment’s Officer in Charge. It’s still early in this investigation and we’re not saying there is necessarily a specific link to this ongoing investigation, but it is something we are mindful of and proactive towards in our endeavor to enforce and suppress criminal activity in our communities.
This joint project, which included our provincial partners, was initiated by members of our Tk’emlúps and Kamloops RCMP city detachments and carried out with the support of our Targeted Enforcement Unit due to the potential ties contraband tobacco can often have to organized crime,
It’s still early in this investigation and we’re not saying there is necessarily a specific link to this ongoing investigation, but it is something we are mindful of and proactive towards in our endeavor to enforce and suppress criminal activity in our communities.
All three search warrants were executed without issue. One person was arrested, then released no process, as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Kamloops RCMP Detachment is reminding residents that the possession of contraband tobacco and cannabis products is an offence under the Excise Act. It also contributes to the growth of transnational organized crime and undermines public health objectives.
Anyone with information about illicit tobacco related offences or other crimes, is asked to please contact their nearest police agency. The Kamloops RCMP Detachment can be reached at 250-828-3000.
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Email: crystal.evelyn@rcmp-grc.gc.ca Website: kamloops.rcmp.ca
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