A nine-month investigation by the RCMP in Kelowna found that a 23-year-old man had been charged with arms trafficking.
In addition to several gun trafficking charges, Keenan Ely is now charged with possessing a firearm in an unauthorized location, carelessly storing a firearm, and failing to report a lost or stolen firearm.
This came after a search warrant was executed on May 20, 2020 by the Kelowna RCMP Special Enforcement Unit and the RCMP National Weapons Enforcement Support Team on a house on Theodora Road.
RCMP suggested the property may have been linked to the arms trade.
The police then opened an investigation into drug trafficking. This resulted in search warrants in two Kelowna residences where significant amounts of cash and two vehicles were found and confiscated. At this point in time, no charges were brought against this investigation.
Ely has been released on severe conditions and is expected to appear in court at a later date.
Individuals with additional information about this investigation or other suspected arms dealers are encouraged to contact the Kelowna RCMP Special Enforcement Team at 250-762-3300. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestoppers.net or 1-800-222-8477.
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Do you have anything to add to this story or anything else we should cover? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com
@newspaperphil
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