Four individuals have been charged following a 14-month drug trafficking and firearms investigation in Northern BC.
The investigation began in April 2023, targeting a drug trafficking network operating in Prince Rupert.
Following a 14-month investigation, CFSEU-BC North District, in partnership with the Prince Rupert RCMP and with assistance from the Prince Rupert Coastal Unit, executed five search warrants in Prince Rupert.
Investigators seized the following items:
• Nine (9) firearms, including two loaded shotguns, a Tikka rifle and a loaded 9 mm handgun with a prohibited magazine; • 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine; • 16 grams of cocaine along with kilogram-style packaging, • Approximately $38,000 in bundled cash • Two (2) vehicles as offence-related property.
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada approved twenty-eight (28) criminal charges against the following individuals:
• Keith Fenton (38 years old), of Prince Rupert - charged with trafficking in a controlled substance, possession of a loaded restricted firearm, possession of a firearm without authorization, possession of a prohibited device (over capacity magazine), and five counts of unsafe firearm storage;
• Richard Gladstone (34 years old), of Prince Rupert - charged with seven (7) counts of trafficking a controlled substance;
• Johnathn Sharkey (35 years old), of Prince Rupert - charged with ten (10) counts of trafficking a controlled substance;
• Kimberly Jenna Smith (27 years old), of Prince Rupert - charged with two (2) counts of trafficking a controlled substance.
“Thanks to intelligence-led enforcement and close cooperation with the Prince Rupert RCMP and Coastal Unit, we’ve brought 28 charges against individuals harming our communities through organized crime,” said Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha, Media Relations Officer for CFSEU-BC.
Police said that all four suspects have been arrested and released with conditions.