Eight Fort St. John fugitives wanted in relation to alleged drug trafficking network in the Peace region

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — An investigation into an extensive drug trafficking network has led to several search warrants, drug seizures, and charges levied in the Peace region. 

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia’s (CFSEU-BC) North District Team has issued charges against 19 individuals, all of which come from Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. 

“The investigation led by CFSEU-BC unveiled an alleged drug trafficking network causing significant harm to the Peace region communities,” says Sergeant Brenda Winpenny, Media Relations Officer for CFSEU-BC.

CFSEU-BC started the investigation in June 2022, working alongside policing partners in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, and Fort Nelson.

The investigation targeted people the CFSEU-BC believed were engaging in drug trafficking and violent activity.

The special enforcement unit executed search warrants in several Peace region communities between October 13th, 2022, and January 23rd, 2023.

The resulting warrants led to a large seizure of drugs, weapons, firearms, and vehicles, as well as the arrest of several individuals.

“The investigation highlights CFSEU-BC’s commitment to working in collaboration with our policing partners to enhance public safety by fulfilling our mandate to target, investigate, disrupt, and support the prosecution of those who pose the highest threat to public safety,” said Sergeant Brenda Winpenny, the Media Relations Officer for CFSEU-BC.

Of the 19 individuals charged, eight are still wanted, while the other 11 have been arrested. Two of those 11 individuals remain in custody, while the rest have been conditionally released.

CFSEU-BC is asking for the public’s help in finding the remaining fugitives:

Cody Mackenzie Grendus, a 36-year-old male from Fort St. John. Grendus is wanted on seven counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking, one count of possessing a firearm without a license, one count of careless use or storage of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm.

Josh Michael Malanowich, a 28-year-old male from Fort St. John. Malanowich is wanted for two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, six counts of careless use or storage of a firearm, two counts of possession, one count of possessing cannabis for the purpose of distributing, and one count of possessing cannabis for the purpose of distribution.

William Clayton McLennan, a 34-year-old male from Fort St. John. McLennan is wanted for one count of trafficking in a controlled substance and one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Joseph Alexander Sandeson, a 49-year-old male from Fort St. John. Sandeson is wanted for two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, six counts of careless use or storage of a firearm, one count of possessing cannabis for the purpose of distributing, and one count of possessing cannabis for the purpose of selling it.

Miles Dean Savard, a 29-year-old male from Fort St. John. Savard is wanted for one count of trafficking in a controlled substance. Police did not provide a photograph of Savard.

Brandon Ronan Stuckless, a 31-year-old male from Fort St. John. Stuckless is wanted for one count of trafficking in a controlled substance.

Daniel Kakonde Tshimba, a 37-year-old male from Fort St. John. Tshimba is wanted for one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Sheldon Dean Horne, a 37-year-old male from Fort St. John. Horne is wanted for one count of trafficking in a controlled substance.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the listed individuals is asked to contact their local police department or Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477.