The Osoyoos RCMP were extremely busy over the night of March 30 and throughout the day of March 31 with two major events.

On March 30 just before 10:00pm the Osoyoos RCMP were alerted by US Border Patrol of 3 males illegally crossing the US/Canada border northbound into Canada near Highway 3 on Anarchist Mountain. The males were then picked up by a vehicle and travelled toward the Town of Osoyoos. Officers attended the area and intercepted the vehicle at which time the 3 males fled on foot. The driver, a resident of Osoyoos was arrested at the scene. Extra resources were called in from Osoyoos as well as Keremeos, Oliver and Penticton including a police services dog. After an extensive track and search of the area, 2 of those that fled on foot were located and arrested for entering Canada without reporting. A backpack was also recovered and contained close to 3 lbs of cocaine. The 3rd male that fled is still unaccounted for. Those arrested include the 35 year old Osoyoos resident and Canadian citizen, a 31 year old US citizen and a 34 year old Mexico citizen. The investigation is ongoing and all face potential charges of importing cocaine. The US and Mexico citizens will also be facing charges under the immigration act and have been turned over to Canada Border Services. The quick results and apprehensions of the suspects as well as the recovery of illicit articles could not have been accomplished without the collaboration of all of our members who attended as well as the help received from US Border Patrol, Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue and RCMP Air Services.

On March 31 at 11:50am while conducting a search for illicit articles related to the cross border smuggle, Osoyoos RCMP, RCMP traffic services, RCMP police service dogs and RCMP air services were alerted to a stolen 2014 Dodge Ram departing Osoyoos east bound on Highway 3. The RCMP helicopter altered course and followed the stolen truck. The truck was met by another stolen truck, an F350 and both travelled at a high rate of speed along Highway 3 to Mt. Baldy Road. Once on Mt. Baldy Road the drivers dumped both vehicles and fled on foot into a highly forested and rough rural terrain area. Extensive police resources were once again utilized and congregated on Mt. Baldy Road. This included members from Osoyoos, Oliver, Keremeos, Boundary Regional, Penticton and Kelowna. 3 police services dogs were also utilized. A ground and air search was conducted throughout the day and into the late night however the two suspects have yet to be apprehended. Both stolen trucks, an atv, and other stolen items were recovered. The RCMP have identified a male and a female they believe are responsible for these crimes and are using all avenues available to apprehend them.

The investigation is ongoing.