Three Red Scorpion associates have been charged in a Kamloops drug trafficking probe, police announced Monday.
Charges were laid on Nov. 30, following a months-long targeted investigation that included multiple raids and operations.
As part of the investigation that began in October 2016 and wrapped in March 2017, police conducted several raids and seizures, including a high-profile search of a Kamloops gym in January 2017. During that search, police found a large amount of cash, drugs and a firearm inside the Heavy Metal Gym.
KAMLOOPS, B.C.: January 13, 2017 – A police raid in Kamloops at Heavy Metal Gym on Briar Ave., a business owned by Konaam Shirzad, was part of a Kamloops RCMP targeted investigation into Red Scorpions associates and an alleged drug trafficking ring.
Other actions taken in the investigation include a vehicle stop and search in December 2016 that yielded a “substantial quantity of Canadian currency,” and a search of a Kamloops home that uncovered more cash, bulk quantities of cocaine, meth, heroin, fentanyl and carfentanil.
Throughout the investigation, police seized a total of $191,445 in cash, 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, 56 grams of heroin, 448 grams of fentanyl, 717 grams of methamphetamine, 231 grams of MDMA and one firearm.
Police also arrested several street-level traffickers during a hotel room raid where more bulk quantities of drugs were found.
“Kamloops RCMP prioritize the investigation of violent organized crime groups who traffic drugs in our community,” said Staff Sgt. Simon Pillay.
“The investigations are lengthy and complex in nature as the targets are typically sophisticated and dedicate their full time to committing these crimes as secretly as possible. This case is an example of the motivated nature of those allegedly involved. Despite overt enforcement action, these drug activities continued on until those involved were eventually arrested and charged.”
As a result, Brandon Chappell, 30, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm.
Erwin Dagle, 23, has been charged with five counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime.
Gregory Wilson, 29, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Both Chappell and Dagle were arrested without incident on Dec. 7, while an arrest warrant for Wilson remains outstanding. All are known to police.
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KAMLOOPS, B.C.: DEC. 11, 2017 – Kamloops RCMP have announced charges against three Red Scorpion associates in a drug trafficking probe that began in October 2016 and wrapped in March 2017. Brandon Chappell, Erwin Dagle, and Gregory Wilson are all charged in an alleged Red Scorpion drug trafficking ring.
KAMLOOPS, B.C.: DEC. 11, 2017 – Kamloops RCMP have announced charges against three Red Scorpion associates in a drug trafficking probe that began in October 2016 and wrapped in March 2017. Brandon Chappell, Erwin Dagle, and Gregory Wilson are all charged in an alleged Red Scorpion drug trafficking ring.
