Wanted: Alleged drug trafficker with ties to Vancouver Island Hells Angels
Five accused have appeared in court on charges including working on behalf of a criminal organization, but Jonathan Clifford is on the lam
Joseph Ruttle Vancover Sun (British Columbia, Canada) February 21, 2024
https://vancouversun.com/news/crime/wanted-alleged-hells-angels-linked-drug-trafficker-jonathan-clifford-courtenay
A Vancouver Island man is wanted after failing to appear in court on charges related to an alleged drug-trafficking network with ties to the Hells Angels.
Six people were charged in November 2023 after an investigation by the anti-gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. (CFSEU).
Five of the accused — Jeff Scott Pasanen, 59, of Comox; Shawna Lynne Leblanc, 48, of Comox; Peter Bruce Billie, 37, of Comox; Randall James King, 45, of Campbell River; and Rhys Tyler Vernon Bolton, 34, of Victoria — made appearances in court on charges including working on behalf of a criminal organization and were released.
But Jonathan Erin Clifford, a 41-year-old Courtenay man, failed to appear for a Feb. 1 court appearance and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.
CFSEU spokeswoman Sgt. Brenda Winpenny said in a news release Wednesday that Clifford was last known to be in the Comox Valley area.
The CFSEU investigation into the alleged trafficking network opened in January 2021 and led to four searches of properties in the Comox Valley and Campbell River a year later.
Police seized about 3.5 kilograms of cocaine; about $160,000 in cash; firearms, including a handgun, semi-automatic gun, sawed-off shotguns, long guns and ammunition; a vehicle alleged to have been used for criminal activity; and Hells Angels Motorcycle Club paraphernalia.
Anyone with information about Clifford’s whereabouts are asked to call a local police detachment or Crime Stoppers.
Comments