CFSEU-BC seizes drugs, weapons in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek

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Guns reportedly seized in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John. (CFSEU-BC)

Updated, May 22nd, 2:45 p.m.: This story was updated because the unit was not just deployed in Dawson Creek, but also in the Fort St. John jurisdiction.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A special crime unit “dealt a serious blow” to the Peace region’s gang activity after being deployed in Fort St. John and Dawson Creek.

On May 22nd, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC) announced 33 arrests and 27 new investigations resulting from its Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET).

“The deployment of our overt UGET officers is a key part of CFSEU-BC’s province-wide strategy to reduce gang-related violence,” said Corporal Sarbjit K Sangha of the CFSEU-BC.

UGET, which was deployed in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John from May 6th to 11th, said it seized 275 grams of cocaine, 850 grams of crack cocaine, 15 grams of crystal methamphetamine and five grams of fentanyl.

Officers also reportedly confiscated $12,500 in cash.

The following weapons were also seized:

A loaded nine mm rifle
Two loaded nine mm pistols
Two rifles
A loaded .22 calibre pistol
Two replica firearms
Nine knives
Two batons
A machete
An axe
A bayonet
Two tasers
Assorted ammo, scopes, rails and magazines

Cash and drugs reportedly seized. (CFSEU-BC)

CFSEU-BC said the deployment “dealt a serious blow” to drug traffickers and other gangs competing for control in the Peace region.

UGET worked alongside the Dawson Creek and Fort St. John RCMP detachments.

“By working closely with police agencies across British Columbia, we enhance public safety and disrupt criminal activity,” said Corporal Sangha.

CFSEU-BC describes UGET as specialists responsible for combating gang activity in British Columbia.

“Their key priority is the prevention of violence through disruption and/or enforcement action, focusing on provincial tactical enforcement priority targets and those involved in gang violence,” said the CFSEU-BC.

Fort St. John mayor, Lilia Hansen, thanked CFSEU-BC and the local RCMP detachments for their work.

“These outcomes of this deployment represent a substantial step forward in the ongoing efforts to disrupt gang-related activities and reduce the presence of illegal drugs in our communities,” she said.

“The safety and wellbeing of our residents are of paramount importance, and such proactive enforcement actions are vital in maintaining the peace and security we all value.”