Guns, cash and drugs seized in trafficking ring takedown tied to Kamloops

A special unit with the RCMP cracked down on a drug trafficking ring that stretched from Kamloops to Vancouver and seized vast amounts of cash and drugs.

Kamloops RCMP executed three search warrants and made four arrests back in December and seized 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, 4.5 kg of fentanyl, 2 kg of cocaine, two prohibited firearms and $111,000 in cash.

“The efforts of our Targeted Enforcement Unit members and partner agencies has been commendable to say the least, with countless hours dedicated to help address the drug-conflict in Kamloops and reduce the risk to public safety,” Officer in Charge Supt. Jeff Pelley said in the release. “Focusing on local drug traffickers and those associated to presenting the highest level of violence and risk remains a strategic priority of our detachment, and we look forward to more successes in the future.”

The investigation began in July 2024 when the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit found a drug trafficking network that was operating in the Interior and Lower Mainland, according to a press release from RCMP issued today, Feb. 28.

After the seizures in Kamloops the investigation continued and on Feb. 20, RCMP executed another seven search warrants including residences, vehicles, and a storage locker in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Police arrested three men and one has been charged.

Daniel Penton, 31, is still in custody with several charges including possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, possession of 13 firearms and ammunition knowing he was not the holder of a licence, possession of illegal devices like silencers and oversized magazines and possession of firearms while prohibited.

During the searched in Vancouver and Burnaby police seized 2 kg of illicit substances, 18 guns including handguns and assault rifles, ammunition, extended magazines, silencers, six body armour vests, smoke grenades, radio jammers, tracking devices and balaclavas, $100,000 in cash and $100,000 in counterfeit money.

Police also dismantled a clandestine drug lab in a condo in Vancouver.

“This significant seizure of illegal drugs, firearms and cash represent a major victory in our ongoing efforts to keep our community safe. By dismantling criminal operations that fuel violence and addiction, we are not only preventing harm to individuals, but also protecting the integrity of our neighbourhoods,” Special Enforcement Unit Insp. Mark Goodall said in the release.

The entire operation was a collaboration between roughly a dozen different law enforcement teams.