The Trail RCMP have revealed why they shut down the upper Warfield hill for two hours on Thursday morning.
The major police operation that closed the highway from Warfield to Rossland was tied to a search warrant involving weapons and other criminal activity, according to a news release from Trail and Greater District RCMP.
On Thursday, June 26, at approximately 8 a.m., local officers executed a criminal code search warrant at a property in the village proper, with assistance from the Southeast District’s Emergency Response Team.
Police say the warrant was connected to firearms-related offences, and the highway closure was necessary due to the potential risk to both officers and the public.
Investigators reportedly seized a substantial amount of suspected illegal drugs, more than $40,000 in Canadian cash and other currencies, and 20 firearms.
Officers also recovered stolen property, including two travel trailers, a Ford F-350 pick-up truck, two ATVs, and a motorcycle.
Five suspects were arrested during the operation, and one remains in custody.
The RCMP says the investigation is ongoing, with several charges under consideration.
“We appreciate the patience of the travelling public while our officers undertook this high-risk operation,” Cpl. James Grandy, BC RCMP spokesperson, adds.
“Trail and Greater District RCMP continue to work toward keeping the communities it serves safe for everyone.”
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the highway as 3B. The road closed during Thursday’s police operation was Highway 22, which turns from Highway 3B to Highway 22 at the Gulch intersection. At the Rossland junction, Highway 22 becomes Highway 3B, continuing toward Nancy Greene Provincial Park where it connects with Highway 3 (Crowsnest). Highway 22 also continues south from Rossland to the U.S. border crossing at Paterson.
