Nelson RCMP seize second drug-smuggling helicopter
By Nelson Daily Staff
Nelson RCMP Border Integrity Program officers were instrumental in seizing another helicopter they say was used to smuggle drugs between the U.S. and Canada.
A Bell 206 helicopter police say was being used to smuggling cocaine from Canada into the U.S. was seized by RCMP from Spallumcheen, about five hours north of Nelson in the North Okanagan.
RCMP officers arrested the 33-year-old owner for allegedly using the $450,000 Bell 206 helicopter to transport cocaine from Lumby to the United States.
The suspicions of members of the Nelson RCMP were raised when the helicopter was observed flying in the area of Lumby over the course of about two years, RCMP E Division media liaison Cpl. Annie Linteau said in a press release.
Members of the Nelson RCMP Border Integrity Program monitored the helicopter’s movements for two years before arresting the owner and seizing the chopper in May.
Although the helicopter has been seized, the RCMP say charges against the owner are unlikely, due to a lack of evidence. The case is in the hands of provincial Crown counsel who will decide whether to seek forfeiture of the property in a civil proceeding.
However, the helicopter is being seized under the Civil Forfeiture Act.
The last chopper seized in southeastern B.C. was auctioned off and chopped up for parts.
