Penticton RCMP specialized units crack down on drug crime

PENTICTON – Penticton RCMP made several arrests following a joint effort by the detachment’s Street Enforcement Unit and Community Safety and Enforcement Team last week.

The two specialized police units conducted a two-day operation near Penticton Secondary School and the Penticton Public Library grounds during the day on Aug. 21 and 22, according to an RCMP media release.

The police were responding to an increase in drug-related offences in this area, RCMP say. Five arrests were made in the operation including possession of controlled substances and drug trafficking.

Two individuals were also charged with driving while intoxicated and driving while suspended. One vehicle was impounded as a result.

“The street enforcement unit will continue its proactive work in identifying and targeting drug traffickers in our community," Grandy says in the release. "Our officers are aware of the issues caused by the opioid crisis, addictions issues and the resulting property crimes affecting people and business owners in our community, and we are striving to target those responsible.”

Drug activity can be reported to the Penticton RCMP at 250-492-4300, or remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.


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Steve Arstad


I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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