FSJ RCMP successful with directed enforcement

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During the week of August 21-25, 2023, the Fort St John RCMP conducted directed enforcement in the area of 103rd Street and 112th Avenue based on intelligence of criminal activity. The enforcement was initiated by Fort St John RCMP plain clothes units and supported by frontline police officers who conducted numerous traffic stops with vehicles in the area. Enforcement action yielded numerous arrests, drug seizures, impaired drivers, warrant executions and vehicle impoundments. Some highlights of the enforcement efforts include:

On Monday afternoon, August 21, the Target Team observed a vehicle believed to be used in the local drug trade depart a residence and conducted a traffic stop which led to the arrest of the occupants and the seizure of contraband cigarettes, evidence of drug trafficking including approximately 8.5 grams of suspected drugs and a large amount of cash. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

On Tuesday early afternoon, August 22, officers conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle after it was observed operating in a manner that is consistent with drug trafficking. Both occupants were arrested as a result of the investigation. Officers seized cash, contraband cigarettes and 12.7 grams of suspected drugs that appeared prepackaged for distribution. The passenger was held on an unendorsed warrant out of Alberta.

On Wednesday morning, August 23, officers conducted a traffic stop with a driver who demonstrated evidence of being impaired by drugs and was arrested. The passenger was found to have numerous unendorsed warrants and was arrested and held for court. As a result of the investigation, officers seized a large amount of suspected drugs, a large amount of cash along with other evidence of drug trafficking and the vehicle was impounded.

That same day, officers conducted a traffic stop with a driver a short time after they had departed a residence and found the driver to be prohibited from driving while in BC. The driver exhibited evidence of impairment. The driver refused to complete a Drug Recognition Evaluation. The driver was issued an Administrative Driving Prohibition and was released on an Undertaking with a future court date and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days. 

On Thursday, August 24, officers conducted a proactive traffic stop and observed a handgun in the vehicle. Officers conducted a high-risk arrest. Through investigation it was determined that the pistol was a replica BB gun. The occupants of the vehicle were released with a verbal warning to not carry anything which may cause a high-risk response by attending police.

That same day, officers conducted a traffic stop after the vehicle with a vehicle that was using wrong number plates. The driver was found to be prohibited from driving and the vehicle was impounded for 7 days.

Intelligence driven, targeted enforcement by the Fort St John RCMP has provided positive results in getting some of the criminal element before the courts while also ensuring the safety of the surrounding community, said Inspector Anthony Hanson, Commander of the Fort St John RCMP detachment.