Kelowna Woman Charged in Kootenay's Largest Ever Cocaine Seizure

Cocaine seized by border patrol officers presented at a press conference in West Kelowna on Monday. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

A 26-year-old Kelowna woman faces charges after over 35 kg of cocaine were seized at the Canada-U.S. border.

On July 26, 2014, just a few minutes before the Waneta Port of Entry near Trail, B.C. was closing for the night, a woman entered the primary inspection lane to cross into Canada. When the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer conducted a routine check, irregularities in the trunk of the Volkswagen Jetta were noted and the officer referred the traveller to a more in-depth examination.

Bottom panel of the compartment opened up. (Photo Credit: Contributed)

CBSA officers used a fiberscope to peer into a void in the vehicle, finding green wrapped packages. When they removed the back of the seat and a carpeted metal plate, they revealed a false compartment with numerous bricks of a powdery white substance later tested to be cocaine.

In total, there were 35 wrapped bricks containing 37.5 kg of cocaine. This seizure marked the largest ever amount of cocaine seized in Kootenay area.

The cocaine piled by the Jetta. (Photo Credit: Contributed)

The hidden compartment emptied out. (Photo Credit: Contributed)

Caitlin Christine Gladdish, a 26-year-old woman of Kelowna, was charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking on January 21st.

“We are very proud of the work and vigilance of our officers at the Port of Waneta,” said Chief Lorne Black of the CBSA. “Because of their perseverance, this substantial quantity of cocaine will not make it into our country or our communities.”

Inspector Brian Gateley of the RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit said that this amount of cocaine would make up tens of thousands of individual doses, marking a major successful disruption in drug trafficking.

Inspector Brian Gateley speaking at the West Kelowna press conference. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)

Insp. Gateley also said that the size of the drug seizure as well as the level of sophistication in the concealment makes them believe that the accused was not working in isolation. “The purchase, transportation, and distribution of such a large amount of cocaine requires financial resources and backing,” said Insp. Gateley.

Gladdish will appear in court on March 5th. Inspectors are still investigating and looking for information about others that could be behind the intended trafficking.

If you have any information about this seizure or any other tips, contact local police or Crime Stoppers.