Two Castlegar residents charged with drug trafficking

Two Castlegar residents have been charged with drug trafficking following a 2023 Castlegar RCMP investigation.
On May 18, 2023, the Castlegar RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, with support from frontline general duty officers, executed a pair of search warrants in connection with an active drug trafficking investigation.
The arrest warrants were executed against two homes in the Castlegar area to further the investigation into trafficking in a controlled substance
During the search, RCMP seized suspected cocaine, along with items related to the trafficking of illegal drugs.
Additionally, Canadian currency and a 2013 Audi Q5 were seized as possible crime-related property. Castlegar RCMP had completed their investigation and referred the case to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada
for a full cost assessment. In addition to recommending criminal charges, British Columbia’s Civil Forfeiture Office was called in to review all trespass-related property.
Since the search of both homes on May 18, 2023, two suspects associated with the second home have now died.
Castlegar residents, 64-year-old Humberto Cancela and 58-year-old Silvina Cancela, have each been formally charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drug and Substances Act .
“Our officers are committed to enforcing and preventing the sale of illegal drugs in our community,” said Sgt. Monty
Taylor, Castlegar detachment commander. “This type of illegal activity will not be tolerated, and our Detachment
continues to arrest and hold accountable those who commit drug crimes.”
Their next scheduled court appearance is on May 1, 2024 in Castlegar District Court.
The public plays an important role in reducing, preventing and solving crime, including the trafficking of illegal drugs.
Anyone with information about or suspecting illegal drug activity in their area is asked to contact local police.