Photo: RCMP This RCMP photo shows a Throttle Lockers vest with rockers. Three men are facing serious drug-trafficking charges following a years-long investigation into the Throttle Lockers – a so-called Hells Angels “support club” trying to set up shop in Kamloops. Police held a press conference Wednesday to reveal the findings of an investigation that began in 2017. Kamloops RCMP Supt. Syd Lecky said the investigation began when the Throttle Lockers were trying to set up a club in the city. The local detachment launched a joint investigation with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of the P.K. “When the Kamloops RCMP detachment started this project in 2017, there were many violent offenses related to organized crime, including a high-profile homicide, assaults and other serious events related to the drug trade,” Lecky said. “Information indicated that members of the Throttle Lockers were active in Kamloops and were considering expanding their presence and control by opening a club in Kamloops.” Charges have been laid against three men — 53-year-old Zale Coty of Kamloops, 29-year-old Jacob Cavanagh of Kamloops and 49-year-old Shawn Carlisle of Falkland. Coty faces two counts of trafficking cocaine, one count of trafficking fentanyl, possession of fentanyl with intent to traffic, possession of cocaine with intent to traffic, possession of methamphetamine with intent to traffic and conspiracy to traffic fentanyl. Cavanagh has been charged with one count of possession of fentanyl with intent to traffic and conspiracy to traffic fentanyl. Carlisle faces three counts of trafficking in cocaine and one count of selling cannabis contrary to the Cannabis Act. “What I want the public and the citizens of Kamloops to know about … is the work that goes on behind the scenes,” Lecky said. “A lot of this work is done when everyone is at home and asleep in their beds.” Police described the Throttle Lockers as a “support club” for the Kelowna chapter of the Hells Angels. More to come…
