An RCMP investigation that targeted a drug trafficking network in Nanaimo and the Comox Valley with links to gangs and organized crime resulted in charges.
Joseph Donald Davidson, 40, is one of three men who face a total of 20 charges for allegedly trafficking in heroin and cocaine following search warrants conducted by RCMP and the Vancouver Island Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit in Nanaimo and the Comox Valley 16 months ago.
The June 19, 2010 searches, one in Nanaimo and two in the Comox Valley, turned up what police describe as a large quantity of drugs and 30 firearms.
Sgt. Bill Whalen, CFSEU spokesman, could not provide information about the quantity of drugs or the types of weapons seized.
Davidson appeared in Nanaimo provincial court Tuesday charged with four counts of a trafficking cocaine and one count of possession of a prohibited weapon seized. His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 22.
Gregory Matthew Allen, 34, arrested in the Comox Valley, appeared in a Courtenay courtroom Tuesday charged with four counts of trafficking heroin, five counts of trafficking cocaine and one count of possession of a restricted firearm.
Police are still searching for a third unidentified suspect.
Whalen said Nanaimo RCMP's Criminal Intelligence Unit and general duty members assisted with the investigation, search warrants and arrests in Nanaimo.