Police and the Combined Special Enforcement Unit say four individuals have been charged following a 14-month drug trafficking and firearms investigation led by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia, targeting a drug trafficking network operating in Prince Rupert.
The statement from RCMP along with the Combined Special Enforcements Unit says the investigation began in April 2023. Then in June, 2024, five search warrants were executed in Prince Rupert.
They say investigators seized 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 16 grams of cocaine along with kilogram-style packaging, approximately 38k in bundled cash, two vehicles as offense-related property, and nine firearms, including two loaded shotguns, a Tikka rifle and a loaded 9 mm handgun with a prohibited magazine.
On June 5th, 2025, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada approved twenty-eight (28) criminal charges against the following individuals
• Richard Gladstone (34 years old), of Prince Rupert - charged with seven (7) counts of trafficking a controlled substance;
• Johnathn Sharkey (35 years old), of Prince Rupert - charged with ten (10) counts of trafficking a controlled substance;
• Kimberly Jenna Smith (27 years old), of Prince Rupert - charged with two (2) counts of trafficking a controlled substance. K
“Thanks to intelligence-led enforcement and close cooperation with the Prince Rupert RCMP and Coastal Unit, we’ve brought 28 charges against individuals harming our communities through organized crime,” said Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha, Media Relations Officer for CFSEU-BC.
“We remain committed to keeping British Columbians safe by targeting those involved in violence and drug trafficking.”
RCMP and the Combined Special Enforcement Unit say Keith Fenton, Richard Gladstone, Kimberly Smith and Johnathan Sharkey have been arrested and released with conditions.