Suspects charged after 12 kilos of cocaine seized in B.C.

The RCMP logo is seen on the shoulder of a superintendent during a news conference in St. John's, N.L., on June 24, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Three men are scheduled to appear in a Vancouver courtroom Wednesday to face multiple charges of drug trafficking after police seized more than 12 kilograms of cocaine in a 2023 investigation that spanned southern British Columbia.

The three men – 40-year-old Luis Sandoval, 38-year-old Wesley Huston, and 36-year-old Matthew Huston – are each facing four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, according to court records.

The suspects were arrested on July 26, 2023, after federal and local RCMP executed seven search warrants in Metro Vancouver and Osoyoos.

A statement Tuesday from the RCMP says the searches uncovered 12 kilograms of cocaine, a half-kilogram of crack cocaine, as well as smaller quantities of heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine.

Investigators also seized ammunition and $50,000 in cash from the properties, according to police.

Charges were not approved against the suspects until November 24, 2024, more than a year after the arrests.

“This complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation highlights the collaborative nature of modern policing, as well as the resourcing capacity of the RCMP,” Supt. Tim Arseneault said in the statement.

“This operation saw 60 police officers from across municipal, provincial and federal business lines come together to execute an intricate plan to ensure the preservation of evidence while maintaining public and officer safety.”