Kelowna RCMP arrest three in lengthy drug investigation

Photo: RCMP

Police seized cash and drugs during a series of raids in West Kelowna.

A lengthy police investigation has led to the arrest of three West Kelowna residents on multiple drug charges.

RCMP began the operation in February, targeting individuals involved in the sale and distribution of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine throughout Kelowna and West Kelowna.

Two homes and an industrial property in West Kelowna were raided in March, leading to the seizure of more than $30,000 cash and more than 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine.

Charges have now been laid against three people in connection with the busts, including:

• Neil Elliott Collins, 42, from West Kelowna. Three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking
• Joseph Michael Trozzolo, 51, from West Kelowna. Three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of interfering or obstructing radio communications
• Patricia Kathleen Gianakos, 39, from West Kelowna. Three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

All three are scheduled to appear in Court in Kelowna on October 29, 2019.

"The Kelowna RCMP Drug Section continues to focus on those involved in the illicit drug trade in Kelowna and neighbouring cities that have a drug nexus to the City of Kelowna," says Cpl. Jeff Carroll of the Kelowna RCMP Drug Section.