AI Generated Summary
- A focused enforcement drive in Kelowna, funded by the Province of British Columbia, has resulted in more than 120 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of drugs, weapons, and illegal goods, according to local police.
- Officers also recovered 12 cans of bear spray, a switchblade, a taser, a hatchet, a baton, 24 knives, two machetes, three baseball bats, and a sword.
- Police said the additional funding allowed officers to conduct intelligence-led patrols and enforcement shifts focused on high-risk individuals and criminal networks operating in the region.
A focused enforcement drive in Kelowna, funded by the Province of British Columbia, has resulted in more than 120 arrests and the seizure of large quantities of drugs, weapons, and illegal goods, according to local police.
The operation, supported through the province’s Special Investigations and Targeted Enforcement (SITE) Program, ran for over seven months—from June 1, 2025, to January 15, 2026—and was led by the Kelowna Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The initiative aimed to curb organised crime and monitor repeat offenders in areas experiencing higher levels of violence and social disorder.
Police said the additional funding allowed officers to conduct intelligence-led patrols and enforcement shifts focused on high-risk individuals and criminal networks operating in the region.
“The SITE funding provided by the Province of British Columbia has had a direct and measurable impact on public safety in Kelowna,” said Sgt. Scott Powrie of the RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit. He noted that the investment enabled police to proactively target repeat violent offenders and disrupt organised criminal activity.
During the course of the initiative, investigators opened 456 new police files and arrested 121 individuals. Authorities have recommended 163 charges, including several related to breaches of court-ordered conditions.
Police also seized a wide array of weapons during the operation. These included four handguns, nine imitation or improvised firearms, and a long gun with ammunition. Officers also recovered 12 cans of bear spray, a switchblade, a taser, a hatchet, a baton, 24 knives, two machetes, three baseball bats, and a sword.
Large quantities of illicit drugs were removed from circulation as well. Officers confiscated 237 grams of fentanyl, 694 grams of methamphetamine, 311 grams of cocaine, and 202 grams of crack cocaine. Smaller quantities of other substances—including MDMA, LSD, and psilocybin—were also seized, along with more than 2.3 kilograms of packaged cannabis believed to be intended for sale. Police additionally recovered 618 grams of suspected mixed drugs and nearly 600 prescription pills.
The operation also uncovered financial and contraband-related offences. Authorities seized more than $55,000 in Canadian currency, along with 7,470 cartons of illegal cigarettes, 180 illegal vape devices, and 450 nicotine pouches.
Investigators also confiscated two vehicles suspected to be proceeds of crime, which have been referred for civil forfeiture, as well as an industrial shipping container and a stolen vehicle that was later recovered.
Officials say the initiative highlighted the importance of coordination between frontline officers and specialised investigative teams. In response, the RCMP has launched a pilot project called the Kelowna Gang Enforcement Team (KGET), aimed at strengthening efforts against gang activity and organised crime.
Police say the new unit will continue targeting firearms, drug trafficking, and criminal proceeds while improving collaboration among different RCMP units to address ongoing threats to public safety in the region.
