A B.C. man is facing eleven charges relating to the importation and trafficking of illegal narcotics as a result of a cross-border investigation.
William Milton Barnes from Saanich allegedly imported and trafficked cocaine, crystal methamphetamine and heroin from the U.S.
Photo Credit: B.C. RCMP
According to RMCP, Barnes used a boat on the open water in B.C. and Washington State for transactions.
“As part of our investigation we were able to utilize Canadian and American resources to monitor the transportation of illegal drugs across the border and identify and arrest those that were responsible,” explains Chief Superintendent Keith Finn, Deputy Criminal Operations Officer, Federal Policing.
“By having a program like Shiprider in place, the RCMP and our American law enforcement partners are able to identify and disrupt cross-border illegal activity that takes place on the ocean, and hold those that wish to hide behind international borders accountable.”
In total, over 55 kg of cocaine, 47 kg of crystal methamphetamine, over one kilogram of heroin, 15 firearms including five handguns, a prohibited large capacity magazine and over $150,000 in cash as well as two high-speed vessels were seized.
Photo Credit: B.C. RCMP
Barnes has officially been charged with:
- Importation cocaine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine
- Importation of crystal meth
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking crystal meth
- Importation of heroin
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking heroin
- Possession of a handgun with readily accessible ammunition
- Two counts of possession of a prohibited device (large capacity magazines)
- Possession of proceeds for backpack of $150,000
- Smuggling under section 159 of the Customs Act
