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A lengthy RCMP investigation has led to the arrest of a longtime member of the Independent Soldiers gang and his girlfriend.
Donahugh Fredrick McWhirter, 43, and his girlfriend, Brittany Marie Stinn, 25, are both residents of Lake Country.
Both were arrested in Kelowna for firearms and drug-related offences Jan. 29 by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C.
RCMP say the investigation began in early 2014 when the CFSEU received information a Kelowna-based Independent Soldier was allegedly recruiting new members for a planned resurgence of the gang.
"An investigation began with the goal of both targeting this veteran IS member's alleged criminal activity, which was reported to include drug, violence and weapon-related offences, and disrupt the possible resurgence of the IS in the Okanagan," the special enforcement unit said in a news release.
"As the investigation continued into the fall of 2014, evidence was gathered that continued to support allegations the suspect, along with his girlfriend, was involved in illegal activity."
Following their arrest, police raided a home on the 3000 block of Jolinda Court in Lake Country.
During the raid, police seized a prohibited, high-powered handgun, a 20-gauge shotgun, AR-style .22 calibre rifle, assorted ammunition, a cross bow and drug paraphernalia.
As well, three large boxes of new clothing bearing the IS logo were also seized.
Several drugs were also seized, including:
- 8.6 grams of cocaine,
- 500.6 grams of methamphetamine,
- 501.7 grams of MDMA powder,
- 5,595 ecstasy pills,
- 247.2 grams of “Molly” (MDMA)
- Various steroid vials and pills including Gtropin, Arimidex, Anavar, Equipose, Sustanon, Winstrol, Dbol, Dynamite, and TNT Testosterone blend.
The pair have been charged with one count of trafficking in a controlled substance with additional drug and weapons charges pending. They have been been released on a promise to appear in Kelowna Court Feb. 16.
“This investigation highlights the effective collaboration between ... various policing units throughout British Columbia to quickly identify and disrupt emerging gang-related threats,” said theCFSEU spokesperson Sgt. Lindsey Houghton.
“Gang members thrive on creating fear and chaos in communities. By targeting the Independent Soldiers at the beginning of a planned resurgence we have been able to disrupt their activities.”
