News release

RCMP wraps up 5-month long project targeting violent offenders and drug traffickers

March 12, 2026 - Nanaimo, British Columbia
From: Nanaimo RCMP

Content

The Nanaimo RCMP has concluded a five‑month targeted enforcement initiative that significantly disrupted violent offenders, drug traffickers, and individuals with alleged links to organized crime.

In September 2025, the detachment secured provincial Safer Communities – Community Safety and Intervention Teams (SITE) funding, to support proactive enforcement against violent offenders and those allegedly involved in drug‑related intimidation and debt collection.

A major enforcement blitz occurred November 14–16, when the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC’s (CFSEU- BC) Uniformed Gang Enforcement Team (UGET) partnered with the SITE Team to target street‑level drug traffickers connected to the BC Gang Conflict. That operation resulted in the seizure of:

174 g methamphetamine, 70 g fentanyl, 201 g cocaine
125 oxycodone tablets, 143 benzodiazepine tablets
Numerous weapons, including knives, tasers, a machete, bear spray, a pellet gun, and brass knuckles
$3,050 cash and a 2022 Cadillac CTS, seized as suspected proceeds of crime linked to individuals associated with the Brothers Keepers

Over the full five months, SITE collaborated with UGET, ERT, Police Dog Services, Projects, the Intelligence Unit, and front‑line officers. Their combined efforts led to extensive seizures, including:

Drugs

387 g methamphetamine
313 g fentanyl
369 g cocaine
140 oxycodone tablets
155 benzodiazepine tablets

Weapons & Related Items

3 firearms
Body armor
13 knives
3 tasers
5 metal batons
4 brass knuckles
2 pellet guns
1 machete
5 bear sprays
1 loaded marine flare gun
6 replica handguns

In total, 139 individuals were arrested, 55 warrants were executed, 51 individuals were charged (pending Crown approval), 84 total charges were forwarded, and 23 violation tickets were issued, and 51 reports to Crown Counsel have been submitted.

One of the most significant actions occurred February 28, 2026, when officers executed a search warrant at a Doumont Road residence. Seized were:

17.03 g of suspected crystal methamphetamine
28.14 g of suspected fentanyl
18.73 g of suspected cocaine
80 ml of suspected GHB
3 firearms and body armor
Trafficking materials
$33,235 in cash

The 48-year old resident was released unconditionally pending charge approval.

Superintendent Eric Rochette, Officer in Charge of the Nanaimo RCMP, highlighted the initiative’s impact, “This project delivered a clear and measurable improvement in public safety. SITE funding allowed us to strategically target individuals driving violence and drug trafficking. Our community is safer today because of the dedicated work of the SITE Team, front‑line officers, and partner units.”

“CFSEU-BC’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team was proud to provide operational support to our policing partners during this operation. Collaborative enforcement efforts allow agencies to leverage specialized resources and intelligence to disrupt organized crime and improve community safety,” said Assistant Commissioner Manny Mann, Chief Officer of CFSEU-BC.

The Nanaimo RCMP remains committed to intelligence‑led policing, targeted enforcement, and continued collaboration to reduce violence and organized criminal activity.

Anyone with information about violent crime or drug trafficking is asked to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non‑emergency line at 250‑754‑2345.