Undercover drug op nabs twelve

Vernon RCMP have four people in custody following a lengthy undercover drug operation.

Police focused on street level drug trafficking in the Vernon area during the four day operation. They made a number of drug purchases and raided a home in the 2200 block of 32nd Street.

"Twelve individuals, including one young offender, have been charged with a variety of offences related to the project," says RCMP Constable, Cathy Scott.

She says 27.6 grams of crack cocaine, $1,255 in Canadian funds and a number of cellular phones were seized.

"During the course of the operation it became clear that the area around the Upper Room Mission continues to be an area of high drug activity. However, police did note that staff at the Upper Room Mission were taking an active stance to deter this type of behaviour."

She says police and management of the Mission will continue to work together in efforts to curtail the drug activity.

Karina Tamarah Derby, 27, Dedan Caine Malcolm, 25, Tammy Ronmark, 23 and a 17-year-old young offender remain in custody on drug related charges.

"Two of the individuals charged during this project, Tammy Ronmark and a male, whose name is not being released at this time, have also been charged with trafficking in a controlled substance during past undercover operations."

Scott says police continue to search for other individuals who have outstanding warrants, in connection with the operation.