Seven people were arrested in Duncan and Sooke after a multi-jurisdictional drug investigation led to the seizure of a substantial amount of drugs, cash, weapons and other materials in a number of residences.
The North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Street Crime Unit led the investigation which began in November, 2023, and targeted mid-level drug trafficking activity in the Cowichan Valley.
Project ENAIANT utilized various investigative avenues and led to the simultaneous execution of search warrants and arrests at three residences in the Duncan area, as well as a residence in Sooke, on March 12 and March 19, 2024.
The Street Crime Unit was assisted by numerous officers within the North Cowichan/Duncan detachment as well as West Shore RCMP, Island District RCMP Emergency Response Team and the Victoria Police Department.
The drugs seized included approximately three kilograms of suspected fentanyl; approximately two kilograms of suspected methamphetamine; approximately 1.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine; and approximately 40 litres of GHB.
As well, more than $240,000 in cash; one carbine rifle; six handguns including two 3D printed 9mm handguns; a 3D printer; body armour and a taser; and more than 400 cartons of illegal cigarettes were also seized in the operation.
“This series of arrests and search warrant executions will have a significant impact on the drug supply for Cowichan and the South Island and make our communities safer”, said Staff Sergeant Deborah Kelly, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Plain Clothes Commander.
“From the fentanyl seizure alone, approximately 25,000 street-level doses were seized.”
Included among the seven arrested during the execution of the search warrants were 38-year-old Grant Giles of the Fraser Valley who has been charged with four counts of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance and Failure to Comply with a Court Order.
Police will also be recommending drug and firearms-related charges against a 32-year-old man from the Greater Victoria area and a 38-year-old woman from the Cowichan area.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522.
