North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP announced that several charges have been approved against James Lamont, a Victoria man who is alleged to have been involved in a massive drugs and weapons bust.
In mid-March, several search warrants were executed in the southern Vancouver Island region, which resulted in numerous arrests, Lamont’s being one of them.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP say their Street Crime Unit led the multijurisdictional drug investigation which began in November 2023. This investigation, dubbed ‘Project ENAIANT’ targeted mid level drug trafficking activity in the Cowichan Valley.
In total, police say three Duncan residences were raided, along with a home in Sooke.
From the three residences, police say they seized
- Approximately three kilograms of suspected fentanyl
- Approximately two kilograms of suspected methamphetamine
- Approximately1.5 kilograms of suspected cocaine
- Approximately 40 litres of GHB (a party drug)
- One carbine rifle
- Six handguns including two 3D-printed 9mm handguns
- A 3D-printer
- Body armour
- A Conducted energy weapon (also known as taser)
- Over 400 cartons of illegal cigarettes
- Over $240,000 in cash
“This series of arrests and search warrant executions will have a significant impact on the drug supply for Cowichan and the South Island and make our communities safer,” said Staff Sergeant Deborah Kelly, North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP.
“From the Fentanyl seizure alone approximately 25 thousand street level doses were seized.”
In total, police say that seven individuals were arrested during the raids.
In addition to Lamont’s arrest, police also apprehended 38-year-old Grant Giles of the Fraser Valley, who is charged with four counts of trafficking in a controlled substance and failure to comply with a court order.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP say they were assisted by West Shore RCMP, Island District RCMP Emergency Response Team and the Victoria Police Department in this endeavour.
