Independent Soldier and Girlfriend Arrested and Charged in Kelowna

Two arrests took place last month that will see a long time gang member and his girlfriend charged for drug and firearms related offences.

Drugs seized by the CFSEU-BC (Photo Credit: Handout)

On January 29^th, 2015 Donahugh Fredrick McWhirter, a 43-year-old Lake Country resident, along with his 25-year-old girlfriend, Brittany Marie Stinn, also a Lake Country resident, were arrested. The two were arrested following information received by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit BC (CFSEU-BC) in early 2014. The CFSEU-BC team was told that a Kelowna based member was allegedly recruiting new members to the Independent Solider.

Drugs seized by the CFSEU-BC (Photo Credit: Handout)

“An investigation began with the goal of both targeting this veteran IS member’s alleged criminal activities, which were reported to include drug, violence, and weapon-related offences, and disrupt this possible resurgence of the IS in the Okanagan,” said CFSEU Communications Officer Sgt. Lindsey Houghton. “As the investigation continued into the fall of 2014, evidence was gathered that continued to support the allegations that the suspect, along with his girlfriend, was involved in illegal activity.”

Independent Solider clothing seized (Photo Credit: Handout)

A search warrant was executed at a home in the 3000 block of Jolinda Court in Lake Country on January 30^th, 2015. During the search officers found a high powered handgun, a 20 gauge shotgun, AR-style .22 calibre rifle, assorted ammunition, a crossbow and drug paraphernalia. Officers also seized three large boxes of new clothing with the Independent Soldiers logo and various drugs including cocaine, meth, MDMA powder, ecstasy and various steroids.

Drugs seized by the CFSEU-BC (Photo Credit: Handout)

Both have been charged with one count of trafficking of a controlled substance with additional drug and weapons charges pending. The couple have been released from custody and are expected to appear in Kelowna Provincial Court on February 16^th.

Independent Solider clothing seized (Photo Credit: Handout)

The CFSEU-BC would like to thank the Vernon RCMP, Lake Country RCMP, Kelowna RCMP, Merritt RCMP, and the Central Interior Traffic Services Unit for their assistance and contributions to this investigation.