21 face charges after drug sting

Photo: Google Maps

Several Vernon residents are facing charges after a drug sting.

RCMP spokesman Gord Molendyk says the Vernon detachment Targeted Policing Unit conducted a four-day investigation that utilized undercover operators to target drug traffickers.

“A total of 25 street-level-quantity drug purchases of cocaine and methamphetamine were completed, resulting in 21 persons facing charges of drug trafficking,” says Molendyk.

During the undercover operation, RCMP investigators identified a drug trafficking group with ties to the Lower Mainland. Drug purchases were made from at least five people believed to be connected to the group.

Vernon RCMP joined forces with a Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit team from the Lower Mainland to investigate members of the group for both drug trafficking and firearms offences.

Search warrants were executed Dec. 19 at two units of a four-plex on the 3500 block of 24th Ave. resulting in the seizure of drugs, cash and weapons.

That search resulted in the seizure of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, prescription pills, cash, drug trafficking paraphernalia, a "zap cane" and other weapons.

Sgt. David Evans of Vernon GIS Targeted Policing says this will "significantly disrupt drug trafficking groups and in many instances result in lengthy jail terms for repeat offenders."

Andres Naranjo, 21, of Vernon was arrested and faces charges of trafficking cocaine and possession of cocaine and heroin for the purposes of trafficking.

A second 21-year-old Vernon man with gang ties, Daniel Penton, was also arrested in the sting and faces several charges.