Drug trafficking charges laid

Two Castlegar residents have been charged with drug trafficking after a 2023 Castlegar RCMP investigation.

On May 18, 2023, the Castlegar RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit, with support from frontline general duty officers, executed a pair of search warrants in connection with an active investigation into drug trafficking.

The warrants were executed on two Castlegar area homes to further the investigation into the trafficking of a controlled substance (See Castlegar RCMP - Four individuals arrested after Castlegar RCMP execute search warrants of two residences (rcmp-grc.gc.ca).

During the search, RCMP seized suspected cocaine, along with items consistent with the trafficking of illicit drugs. Additionally, Canadian currency and a 2013 Audi Q5 were seized as potential offence-related property.

Castlegar RCMP had completed their investigation and forwarded the matter to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for a full charge assessment. In addition to recommending criminal charges, the Civil Forfeiture Office of British Columbia was engaged to assess any offence-related property.

Since the May 18, 2023 search of both residences, two suspects associated with the second residence are now deceased.

Castlegar residents, 64-year-old Humberto Cancela and 58-year-old Silvina Cancela, have each been formally charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drug and Substances Act.

Our officers are committed to enforcing and preventing the sale of illegal drugs in our community, says Sgt. Monty Taylor, Castlegar’s Detachment Commander. This type of illegal activity will not be tolerated, and our Detachment continues to arrest and hold those who commit drug crimes accountable.

Their next scheduled court appearance is May 1st, 2024 in the Castlegar court.

The public plays an important role in helping to reduce, prevent and solve crime, including the trafficking of illegal drugs. Anyone with information about, or who suspects, illegal drug activity in their neighbourhood is asked to contact their local police.