Earlier this month, officers from the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) executed search warrants at two residences, arrested three people and located and dismantled a gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) processing lab as a result of a year-long investigation into dark web drug trafficking in Nanaimo, BC.
In January 2019, RCMP FSOC began project EPateriform, an investigation into online drug trafficking using the dark web and bitcoin exchanges. The project targeted a prolific dark web vendor known as AlwaysOvrWeight. Using conventional and non-conventional techniques, RCMP FSOC narrowed the dark web vendor’s location to Nanaimo BC. RCMP FSOC determined AlwaysOvrWeight was also using encrypted communications to traffic drugs online as bcpremo88.
Over the course of the exhaustive, year-long investigation, investigators gathered evidence to support allegations that AlwaysOvrWeight was facilitating the online sale and shipment of a wide variety of drugs including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, GHB, psilocybin (mushrooms), ketamine and fentanyl to Canadians. The investigators also gathered evidence to identify persons working behind the AlwaysOrvWeight moniker.
On February 04, 2020 RCMP FSOC, with the assistance of RCMP Federal Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response Team (CLEAR), executed a search warrant at a residence in the 3900-block of Hammond Bay Road in Nanaimo BC. A GHB processing lab along with evidence of drug packaging and trafficking, was found inside. On the same day, RCMP FSOC searched a residence in the 6100-block of Kiara Place in Nanaimo BC wherein evidence of drug trafficking using the dark web was located. Three Nanaimo residents were also arrested. No charges have yet been laid as the investigation remains on-going.
RCMP FSOC would like to extend its gratitude to Canada Post and officers from the Nanaimo and Powell River RCMP Detachments for their co-operation and support in advancing the EPateriform investigation.
Inspector Tim Arseneault said Our determined investigators used ingenuity and innovative techniques to remove the anonymity of the internet from online drug traffickers
This marks the success of a challenging project. The RCMP in BC will continue to work to enhance public safety for all Canadians; in the real and virtual world. adds Superintendent Richard Bergevin of RCMP FSOC.