By Ian Holmes

Accused identified in Nanaimo bust linked to Red Scorpions gang

Feb 3, 2019 | 7:42 AM

NANAIMO — More information is coming to light about a high-profile drug bust in an upscale north Nanaimo neighbourhood which police said had gang ties.

NanaimoNewsNOW has learned the identities of three men charged in relation to the April 13, 2018 bust at a Linyard Rd. home are Chad Michael Kirk, Nathan John Robert Mazerall and Isaac Colin Francis McCormick.

Nanaimo RCMP recently reported the drug sting was connected to the Lower Mainland based Red Scorpions.

Kirk, a 34-year-old Dover Bay Secondary School alumni, faces five charges, including drug trafficking, firearm offences and possession of stolen property.

The two other men face singular drug possession charges and all of them have arraignment hearings on Feb. 5 where they are slated to plead guilty or not guilty.

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Nanaimo RCMP said charges are pending against a fourth person.

Police said the raid was linked to a drug line controlled by the Red Scoprions and involved suspected fentanyl, four firearms and $35,000 cash. Two vehicles were also seized.

A lengthy investigation led to further busts in Nanaimo, Vancouver and Richmond in December which allegedly turned up what’s believed to numerous hard drugs including fentanyl, nearly $100,000, passports and drug paraphernalia.

Nanaimo RCMP Sgt. Rob Christenson, head of the detachment’s Projects Unit, believed most of the drugs allegedly housed at the Linley Valley property originated from the Lower Mainland.

He said there are multiple gangs doing business in Nanaimo, which he said are linked to a more visibly violent Lower Mainland gang culture.

“We’ve been fortunate that we’re not seeing that direct level of violence here in Nanaimo, the potential always exists, particularly in drug investigations,” Christenson said.

He said while conflicts undoubtedly exist among local gangs, he doesn’t believe the public should be more concerned now than in the past.

“I don’t have any information that’s going to put the public at ease, nor should I suggest there’s a concern, I don’t think anything is getting any worse, I think these groups have always operated in Nanaimo.”

Christenson said he didn’t believe the Red Scorpions have an extensive presence in Nanaimo.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes