OTTAWA: RCMP was alerted by the US Border Patrol of three males illegally crossing the border into Canada on March 30.
The men crossed the border near Highway 3 on Anarchist Mountain, They were picked up by a vehicle and travelled toward Osoyoos.
The driver, an Osoyoos resident, was arrested at the scene.
Extra resources were called in from Osoyoos, Keremeos, Oliver and Penticton, and a police service dog tracked two of the men down. They were arrested for entering Canada without reporting. A backpack was seized, containing close to three pounds of cocaine.
Those arrested include the 35-year-old Osoyoos resident and Canadian citizen, a 31-year-old U.S. citizen, and a 34-year-old Mexican citizen.
The investigation is ongoing and all face potential drug charges. The American and Mexican will also face charges under the Immigration Act and have been turned over to Canada Border Services.
Osoyoos RCMP, U.S. Border Patrol, Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue and RCMP Air Services collaborated in the effort.
In a separate event on March 31, while conducting a search related to the smuggling operation, RCMP, traffic services, police service dogs and air services were alerted to a stolen 2014 Dodge Ram departing Osoyoos, eastbound on Highway 3.
The RCMP helicopter followed the stolen truck, which was met by a Ford F-350. Both pickups travelled at high speed to Mount Baldy Road, where the drivers dumped them and fled on foot into the forest.
An extensive ground and air search was conducted late into the night, however the two suspects were not found. Stolen trucks, an ATV and other stolen items were recovered.
RCMP has identified a man and woman they believe are responsible.
