Senior members of the Hells Angels face charges for conspiracy to import and traffic 500 kg of cocaine. The RCMP announced arrests in a significant Federal Drug Enforcement Branch led investigation which netted 4 million dollars of alleged drug money. The Criminal Organization investigation, dubbed E-PREDICATE, lasted more than 20 months and benefited from contributions on the part of RCMP Detachments and specialized units throughout the Southeast District, various US law enforcement agencies, the Mexican Federal Police and Panamanian authorities. The Public Prosecution Service of Canada also worked diligently throughout the investigation to provide timely legal advice on a priority basis. The prosecution will proceed directly to trial with the approval of a direct indictment. The investigation focused on allegations that marihuana was being produced in the Southeast District and trafficked in BC and elsewhere to fund the importation of cocaine to Canada.
“This investigation demonstrated how organized criminal groups engaged in drug trafficking have no respect for municipal, provincial or international borders”, says Superintendent Brian Cantera, Officer in Charge of the RCMP Drug Enforcement Branch in BC. “More concerning is the complete disregard these groups show for Canadian families and public safety, both of which pay the devastating price exacted for criminal profits.”
Kevin Van Kalkeren (identified by the Vancouver Province as being a resident of Osoyoos), David Giles, Michael Read and James Howard have been charged with Conspiracy to Import a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Traffic a Controlled Substance and will be appearing in BC Supreme Court on Monday August 27, 2012 for their first appearance. Orhan Saydam, Murray Trekofski, and Shawn Womacks have been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a Controlled Substance and will be appearing in Provincial Court on Monday August 27, 2012 for their first appearance.
Brian Oldham (pictured below) is also charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking a Controlled Substance has now turned himself in to police.
Giles is well known as the Vice President of the Kelowna Hells Angels Chapter and the OMG Clubhouse was one of five locations secured and searched by the RCMP yesterday afternoon.
“This investigation clearly demonstrates the international and domestic capabilities of the RCMP when the full weight of the organization is brought to bear,” says RCMP Assistant Commissioner Wayne Rideout, Organized Crime and Investigative Services. “I want to personally congratulate all of the many men and women who worked tirelessly and under pressure to deliver on behalf of all Canadians. Serious and Organized criminal groups will continue to be the primary focus of the RCMP Federal resources across Canada, as will the commitment to work in close cooperation with Provincial and Municipal partners towards Public Safety.”
Photos and story supplied by RCMP
Local RCMP say they cannot comment on a raid in Osoyoos in the last week and its connection to this investigation and series of charges.