Downtown drug trafficking in Courtenay

Comox Valley

2023-12-07 11:49 PST

A lengthy investigation has now resulted in 8 people being charged with drug trafficking offences in the City of Courtenay.

The City of Courtenay, like many communities in British Columbia, has been feeling the impact of the fentanyl epidemic. In February, Comox Valley RCMP started to receive an increased number of reports from concerned citizens and neighboring businesses regarding the drug activity on the 600-block of Cliffe Ave., in Courtenay.

These reports prompted action from the Comox Valley RCMP, specifically, investigators from the Bike Unit and the Street Crimes Unit. The two units collaborated on a project to specifically target drug traffickers operating in the downtown area of Courtenay.

The following individuals are currently facing charges;

• Aislynn Hessler, a 24-year old female from Courtenay
  One count of trafficking fentanyl and bromazolam (a benzodiazepine)
• Frank Poel, a 66-year old male from Courtenay
  Two counts of trafficking fentanyl and bromazolam (a benzodiazepine)
• David Nakashima, a 28-year old male from Courtenay
  One count of trafficking fentanyl and bromazolam (a benzodiazepine)
  One count of trafficking cocaine
• Sterling Girard, a 28-year old male from Courtenay
  Two counts of trafficking fentanyl and bromazolam (a benzodiazepine)
  One count of trafficking methamphetamine
• Andrew Labree, a 36-year old male from Courtenay
  One count of trafficking methamphetamine
• Adam Wilkins, a 37-year old male from Courtenay
  One count of trafficking fentanyl and para-Flourofentanyl
• Timothy Hyatt, a 22-year old male from Courtenay
  Two counts of trafficking methamphetamine
  One count of trafficking fentanyl, para-Flourofentanyl, and bromazolam (a benzodiazepine)
• Denyss Teagai, a 31-year old male from Courtenay
  One count of trafficking fentanyl and bromazolam (a benzodiazepine)

The proactive efforts of the Comox Valley RCMP and community are crucial to combatting the fentanyl epidemic that has plagued our community. These arrests signify our commitment to public safety and our stance against those who choose to exploit vulnerable populations, said Cst. Monika Terragni, Media Relations Officer, Comox Valley RCMP.

This investigation aligns with the broader initiative to address the staggering increase in unregulated drug deaths reported by the BC Coroners Service, with fentanyl detected in 83% of cases during the first nine months of 2023.

The Comox Valley RCMP encourages residents to report all suspicious activity to the detachment by calling (250) 338-1321, or if it is an emergency, dial 911.

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Email: monika.terragni@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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