Months-long RCMP investigation takes down Red Scorpions in Kamloops

Dec 11, 2017 | 11:33 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops RCMP say a months-long investigation has put a big dent in the local drug trade, which is in part controlled by the Red Scorpions street gang.

The local detachment’s Targeted Enforcement Unit began the probe in October of last year.

Officers raided the homes of two Kamloops men in the process, Brandon Chappell and Erwin Dagle, seizing nearly $200,000 in cash, along with bulk quantities of drugs and a gun.

The operation is also related to January’s raid of the Heavy Metal Gym on Briar Avenue on the Kamloops North Shore.

Chappell and Dagle were arrested on December 7 in Kamloops.

A warrant has been issued for Gregory Wilson of Coquitlam as well.

RCMP say additional operations stemming from the initial raids have resulted in more street-level arrests and a warrant being carried out at a room in a local hotel, where more drugs were found and seized.

In a news release, Staff Sgt. Simon Pillay said those involved are very motivated.

“Despite overt enforcement action, these drug activities continued on until those involved were eventually arrested and charged,” said Pillay.

Total seizures:

  • $191,445 in cash
  • 1.3kg cocaine
  • 56g heroin
  • 448g fentanyl
  • 717g methamphetamine
  • 231g MDMA
  • carfentanil
  • one firearm