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RCMP seize suspected drug-smuggling helicopter
October 6, 2011 By The Vancouver Sun
Oct. 6, 2011, Spallumcheen, B.C. - A helicopter was seized from a property in Spallumcheen in B.C.'s southern interior as part of a search warrant by the Nelson RCMP Border Integrity Program, the RCMP announced today.
Seizure of the Bell 206 helicopter stemmed from an ongoing investigation into a suspicious helicopter seen flying in the Lumby area over the course of about two years.
The helicopter was believed to be used for smuggling cocaine from the U.S. into Canada.
The 33-year-old owner, who is believed to be the operator of the helicopter, was arrested in May but later released without charges.
The RCMP referred the seizure to the B.C. Civil Forfeiture Office for follow-up.
Criminal charges are not being pursued due to lack of evidence, but the helicopter is being held under the Civil Forfeiture Act.
