On two different occasions, the Osoyoos RCMP were sent on a high pursuit chase involving several individuals suspected to be incriminated with potential drug trafficking, theft, and illegal border crossing.
On March 30th, just before 10:00 p.m., the Osoyoos RCMP were alerted by U.S. Border Patrol of three males illegally crossing the U.S./Canada border. They were travelling northbound into Canada near Highway 3 on Anarchist Mountain.
The males were picked up by a vehicle and travelled toward Osoyoos. Officers intercepted the vehicle, but the three males fled the scene on foot.
The driver, a resident of Osoyoos was arrested at the scene.
Extra resources were then called in from Osoyoos as well as Keremeos, Oliver, and Penticton.
After an extensive search, two of the men were located and arrested for entering Canada without reporting.
Upon arrest a backpack was also recovered and contained almost three pounds of cocaine.
The third male that fled is still at large.
The two who were arrested include a 35-year-old Osoyoos resident and Canadian citizen, a 31-year-old U.S. citizen, and a 34-year-old citizen of Mexico.
The investigation is ongoing and all suspects face potential charges of importing cocaine.
The U.S. and Mexico citizens will also be facing charges under the immigration act and have been turned over to Canada Border Services.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, March 31st at approximately 11:50 a.m., Osoyoos RCMP were notified of a stolen 2014 Dodge Ram heading out of Osoyoos east bound on Highway 3.
An RCMP helicopter altered course and followed the stolen truck. The truck was met by another stolen truck, an F350, and both travelled along Highway 3 to Mount Baldy Road. The trucks were speeding excessively.
Once on Mount Baldy Road, the drivers dumped both vehicles and fled on foot into dense forest and rough rural terrain.
RCMP resources from Osoyoos and the surrounding area commenced a search with three police service dogs.
The ground and air search went late into the evening however, two suspects have yet to be apprehended. The investigation is ongoing.
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