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'Operation Shiprider' uncovers drugs smuggled through the San Juans

Officers say they busted a Canadian and American smuggling duo moving a large amount of drugs across the border.
Operation Shiprider drugs

A Washington man is one of two people charged with a slew of drug trafficking and firearms-related crimes in an alleged smuggling operation in the open waters between Washington state and British Columbia.

Officials conducted a six-month investigation to catch William Barnes of Saanich, B.C. and Gary Horton of Washington, for allegedly smuggling illegal products.

Canadian authorities allege Barnes imported and trafficked cocaine, meth and heroin from the United States. Horton already pleaded guilty in October 2017; he awaits sentencing later this year.

At a news conference Wednesday in Surrey, officials said they intercepted a shipment coming from the U.S. into Canada near the San Juan Islands off the south coast of Vancouver Island.

In addition to the two high-speed boats used during the illegal transactions, officials seized 55 kilograms of cocaine, 47 kilograms of meth, one kilogram of heroin, 15 firearms and more than $150,000 in cash, according to Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

“Maritime security is vital to the United States and Canada,” said Lt. Cmdr. Blair Sweigart, chief of enforcement for U.S. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. “The Shiprider program, with reciprocal cross-border law enforcement authorities, represents a unique partnership that helps create a more secure maritime environment for both nations, and strengthens our mutually beneficial relationship.”

The Pacific Shiprider program is comprised of Canadian and U.S. officers working jointly in efforts responding to pollution concerns, search and rescue responses, and other law enforcement needs. The officers from both countries train together and are trained in the laws of both countries.

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