In one of the final stops before returning to the Lower Mainland, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit aided in a traffic stop along the Old Island Hwy. Sunday evening. (submitted photo/Anita Prince)

By Alex Rawnsley

extra help

VIDEO: Specialized gun & gang enforcement unit tackles growing Nanaimo challenges

Mar 30, 2023 | 5:27 AM

NANAIMO — Following a string of high-profile and violent incidents, local Mounties teamed up with a uniquely trained unit over the weekend.

Eight members from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. were in Nanaimo from Friday, March 24 through Sunday, March 26, working with officers from the local detachment to target people involved in weapons and gang-related crimes.

Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton told NanaimoNewsNOW his unit regularly travels the province, supporting duty officers and providing valuable training and experience.

“Any time there are flare-ups or increases in gun and gang-related violence. Really it’s a bit of surge capacity for jurisdictions who are often challenges in term of how many files they may be having, how many members they have on the road.”

The visit is timely.

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Recently, Nanaimo has seen several highly public incidents involving firearms including the shooting of a local business man after a dispute at an encampment, a man being shot in the face outside a downtown hotel and an apparent case of road rage leading to shots being fired at a 17-year-old driver.

The weapons offences come amid rising drug toxicity deaths in Nanaimo indicating a thriving local drug trade.

Houghton said there’s little his team of officers haven’t experienced first hand, and can pass their knowledge on gang and weapons files to members in different communities.

“Those are obviously the highest risk activities that a police officer can and will encounter in the course of their duties. For us, it’s about sharing some of the scenarios and experiences our officers have been through, some of the ‘what if’ scenarios.”

Houghton was unable to speak to how many files the unit dealt with while in Nanaimo, or direct results of their work, however officers were seen dealing with a vehicle on the Old Island Hwy. near Northfield Rd. late Sunday afternoon.

Already in 2023, the unit has visited a range of communities including Victoria, Kamloops, Prince George and Fort Nelson.

“Individuals in the drug trade with a nexus to gangs don’t just stick to one jurisdiction, they often travel around the province and even inter-provincially and internationally. Our officers know who these people are, know who the groups are and so they’re bringing that knowledge and sharing that with the members.”

In addition to extra boots on the ground, the unit leaves local officers better informed on law enforcement tactics related to gang and intelligence on gang activity.

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