Vancouver Island men facing 41 charges in 'significant' crackdown on Hells Angels in B.C.
Police seized 22 weapons over the course of the investigation, including an Uzi, as well as more than 4,500 rounds of ammunition and five tubes of commercial-grade explosives. (CTV News)
Four men are facing dozens of charges after a years-long drug-trafficking investigation that police say disrupted the expansion of the Hells Angels motorcycle gang on Vancouver Island.
The federal prosecution service has approved 41 criminal charges related to the investigation.
On Thursday, British Columbia's Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC) announced that an investigation that began in June 2018 and targeted members of the Hells Angels in Nanaimo, B.C., as well as their support clubs – the Savages MC and the Devils Army MC – had led to charges against the men.
Police seized 22 weapons over the course of the investigation, including an Uzi, as well as more than 4,500 rounds of ammunition and six tubes of explosives typically used in mining.
Investigators also recovered more than seven kilograms of cocaine, nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine and four kilograms of cannabis, the CFSEU-BC said.
Police said the Hells Angels intended to expand their drug-running operations on Vancouver Island while also establishing new Hells Angels chapters beyond Nanaimo.
THREE MEN REMAIN AT LARGE
William Bradley Thompson, 58, from Ladysmith, B.C., faces 10 weapons charges and one drug-related charge. He was arrested and released pending a court appearance, police said in a release Thursday.
The other three men remained at large at the time of the announcement with warrants issued for their arrests.
Sean Oliver Douglas Kendall, 44, of Port Alberni, B.C., is facing seven charges related to drug trafficking.
Sean Oliver Douglas Kendall. (CFSEU-BC)
Kristopher Stephen Smith, a 44-year-old man from Nanaimo, is charged with three drug offences and three weapons offences.
Kristopher Smith, a 44-year-old man from Nanaimo, B.C., turned himself in to police over the weekend. (CFSEU-BC)
William Karl Paulsen, a 51-year-old from Campbell River, B.C., is facing sixteen drug charges and one count of unlawfully possessing explosives.
William Karl Paulsen. (CFSEU-BC)
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact local police or Crime Stoppers.
"This lengthy and complex investigation spanned over four years and included over 50 dedicated resources resulting in significant seizures of potentially deadly drugs and serious charges," CFSEU-BC chief Manny Mann said Thusday.
"Our mandate and ability to work with our partner agencies to investigate across multiple jurisdictions allows us to investigate gang members and groups who impact public safety in multiple communities," he added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Humanity at risk: AI pioneer urges federal government to regulate faster
One of the so-called godfathers of artificial intelligence says governments need to move faster on regulations to protect against the dangers of the rapidly advancing technology, before it poses a larger threat to humanity.
Running through middle age can keep brain healthy and neurons wired: study
Exercising as you age can help maintain memory and fight cognitive decline, according to a new study.
Prediabetes: The younger you are, the higher the risk of dementia
People who develop prediabetes when they’re younger are likely to have a higher risk for dementia in later life, a new U.S. study has found.
'We have an influence': How some Canadians are inspiring others to focus on the environment
From actions in their local communities to mass demonstrations, here's how Canadians from all walks of life are inspiring others to take part in helping the environment.
Hamilton police ask residents to shelter after barricaded man involved in double homicide fires shots
Police in Hamilton, Ont. are dealing with a barricaded person who they say is involved in the deaths of two people.
South Korean arrested for opening plane emergency exit door, faces up to 10 years in prison
A man who opened an emergency exit door during a flight in South Korea was formally arrested Sunday and faces up to 10 years in prison on a charge of violating the aviation security law, officials said.
Jan. 6 rioters are raking in thousands in donations. Now the U.S. is coming after their haul
Less than two months after he pleaded guilty to storming the U.S. Capitol, Texas resident Daniel Goodwyn appeared on Tucker Carlson's then-Fox News show and promoted a website where supporters could donate money to Goodwyn and other rioters whom the site called 'political prisoners.'
Team Canada hockey players Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey engaged
Celebrated Team Canada hockey players Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey have announced their engagement.
Attorney for 11-year-old Mississippi boy shot by police says there's 'no way' he could have been mistaken for an adult
An attorney for an 11-year-old Mississippi boy who was shot by a police officer after he called 911 for help said Thursday there was 'no way' the boy could have been mistaken for an adult.
Vancouver
-
‘A crime of passion’: Bizarre B.C. bakery break-in caught on camera
The owner of a cake shop in Vancouver’s Dunbar neighbourhood braced for the worst when she found her store had been broken into Friday morning. But what she found captured by a security camera was a break-in beyond her wildest imagination.
-
Brazen shooting prompts Mounties to host public outreach event
Ten days after shots rang out at a busy Coquitlam shopping complex in broad daylight, Coquitlam RCMP held a public outreach event to address public concerns.
-
Several multiple sclerosis drugs covered by Pharmacare in every province except B.C.
Deborah Stefanek's doctor recommended she take a new medication called Kisempta to treat her relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis. She was shocked to learn every province in Canada covers Kisempta under their Pharmacare plans except B.C.
Edmonton
-
Wildfire danger remains high in northern Alberta, but firefighters making progress
The number of wildfires burning in Alberta's protected forest areas has continued to drop.
-
'It was just adorable': Grade 1 students surprise departing firefighters with special goodbye gifts
An Edmonton Grade 1 class was at the Edmonton International Airport Saturday to give a crew of wildland firefighters handmade thank-you cards and wish them well on their way back to New Brunswick.
-
'More connected': Researchers looking at growing food under solar panels
Lawns, backyards and roofs could be used to produce both solar power and fresh vegetables, University of Alberta researchers say.
Toronto
-
BREAKING
BREAKING | SIU investigating after two people killed in Stoney Creek
Ontario’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) has been called following an interaction with a man believed to be responsible for a double homicide in Stoney Creek.
-
Victim rushed to hospital following early morning stabbing in downtown Toronto
One person was rushed to hospital following an early morning stabbing in downtown Toronto.
-
Animal advocates call for alternatives to coyotes, foxes in Ontario dog training areas
Advocates are hoping the Ontario government will consider alternatives to the use of wild animals in off-leash dog areas for the purpose of tracking as officials push forward with a proposal to expand training areas in the province.
Calgary
-
Alberta NDP holds rally in Calgary, UCP talks about crime, mental health supports
Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley held a major rally in downtown Calgary Saturday morning, while her United Conservative rival had no public events planned this weekend after a final pitch to voters a day earlier.
-
Police seeking information regarding Friday night hit-and-run in northeast Calgary
Calgary police are investigating a hit-and-run in the northeast community of Renfrew.
-
Early snowmelt in Western mountains means drier summers, more wildfire risk: study
Leaner snowpack in Western Canada and United States mountain ranges is causing drier summers and increasing wildfire risk, says a new study from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Montreal
-
'Pay attention': Family of struck Montreal 10 year old pleads with motorists to drive safely
The family of a 10-year-old girl who was hit by a car almost two weeks ago is appealing drivers and pedestrians to be more careful on Montreal’s roads. Kyaa Guinto is still in a coma at the Montreal Children’s Hospital. “She’s slowly come out of the induced coma, she’s moving her hands, she was able to squeeze our hands, and we’re waiting patiently,” said her mother, Stephanie Ledesma.
-
Quebec trucker subdues runaway injured horse on Highway 40
Quebecers are used to congestion headaches on Highway 40, but Saturday’s hold-up was nothing if not out of the ordinary: a horse broke free from its transport container and ran free in the fast lane. Marco Lelievre, a trucker, stopped his vehicle while driving through Repentigny, Que. after he saw the runaway horse.
-
Second Montreal business targeted by arson attack this weekend
A Montreal business was targeted by an arson attack for the second day in a row, this time in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough. Police say a 911 call was made just before 5 a.m. Sunday. By the time SPVM officers arrived, firefighters had put out the flames at the bakery on Charles de la Tour Street, near Antonio-Barbeau Street.
Atlantic
-
Wildfire near Goose Lake, N.S. burning out of control
A sizeable wildfire is burning out of control in Shelburne County, Nova Scotia.
-
N.B. premier calls for calm amid review of policy on sexual orientation in schools
New Brunswick's premier is calling for calm as the province launches a contentious review of a policy on sexual orientation in schools.
-
Man shot and killed by police in Dartmouth, HRP refer shooting to SiRT
A man is dead after being shot by police in Dartmouth during an incident Saturday morning.
Winnipeg
-
RCMP investigating possible drowning at Whiteshell Provincial Park
A Winnipeg boy may have drowned at Whiteshell Provincial Park, according to RCMP.
-
'Right tree, right place': The work Winnipeg is doing to restore its tree canopy
The City of Winnipeg’s annual push to restore its tree canopy is underway.
-
Five fire departments respond to Friday night scrapyard blaze
Firefighters in the RM of Springfield were busy Friday night, taking on a scrapyard fire involving molten metal into the early morning hours.
Kitchener
-
Three-vehicle crash in Wellington County leaves one dead
One person has died following a three vehicle crash on Highway 6 in Wellington County.
-
Man arrested for attempted murder, another seriously hurt in Kitchener shooting
The Waterloo Regional Police Service has arrested a man for attempted murder after a shooting in Kitchener left another man with serious injuries.
-
‘These issues are still here’: Advocates speak out following unhoused experience event in Victoria Park
A 24-hour camp out in Victoria Park, meant to highlight the homelessness crisis, has come to an end.
Regina
-
Thunderstorm brings heavy rain, hail, tornado warning to southern Sask.
Environment Canada issued several severe thunderstorm warnings for southern Saskatchewan, threatening hail, excessive rain and a potential tornado.
-
Construction worker killed in 'serious' accident at Regina International Airport
A construction worker is dead after a serious accident at Regina's International Airport.
-
Yorkton's Close Cuts 4 Cancer holds 26th annual head shave
Compared to years prior, Brayden Ottenbreit's Close Cuts 4 Cancer had a quiet year in 2023.
Barrie
-
All cats rescued, donations needed after fire at Oro-Medonte animal shelter
After a devastating fire at an Oro-Medonte animal shelter, all missing cats have been accounted for.
-
Ontario police reveal new development in Elnaz Hajtamiri abduction investigation
Ontario Provincial Police arrested a fourth suspect in connection to the alleged kidnapping of Elnaz Hajtamiri, the Ontario woman who disappeared in January 2022.
-
4 people hospitalized trying to rescue cats in Oro-Medonte shelter fire
Several people have been hospitalized with smoke inhalation after trying to save multiple animals from a fire at a cat shelter on Shanty Bay Road in Oro-Medonte.
Saskatoon
-
'I don't think it's right': Sask. woman sentenced for aggravated assault on senior
A Prince Albert man said he can start moving on, now that the woman who attacked his 89-year-old father has been sentenced. He said because of the assault, he lost both his mother and father.
-
Saskatoon woman faces two charges of assault after double stabbing
Saskatoon police have charged a 28-year-old after two people were stabbed.
-
Why Saskatchewan has a publicly-funded Catholic school system
The Catholic school system in Saskatchewan has a long history and is ultimately protected by the province’s constitution. Something the courts have backed up.
Northern Ontario
-
Team Canada hockey players Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey engaged
Celebrated Team Canada hockey players Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey have announced their engagement.
-
Two ‘aggressive’ hitchhikers on Hwy. 17 charged
Ontario Provincial Police have charged two people following reports of hitchhikers displaying aggressive behaviour along the Highway 17 East corridor in Kenora.
-
Ontario community battles to keep emergency department from closing for good
A community in Ontario’s cottage country is facing the permanent closure of its local hospital's Emergency Room.