RCMP Seek Witnesses Following Fatal Kootenay National Park Incident

Police are asking for assistance from the public as they investigate a fatal single-vehicle collision that occurred in Kootenay National Park. The incident took place on Highway 93, slightly north of the Floe Lake trailhead, around 11:10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 2.

First responders called to the scene discovered a black Nissan Maxima resting on its side after it departed the roadway and went down an embankment. A 23-year-old male passenger from Invermere was pronounced dead at the scene. The female driver did not sustain serious injuries, according to authorities.

Investigators Reconstructing Timeline Before Crash

B.C. Highway Patrol has not ruled out any factors that might have led to the wreck. Investigators are specifically interested in gathering details about events occurring along the highway between 9:30 p.m. and midnight on Oct. 2.

In addition, police are attempting to trace the movements of the vehicle’s occupants earlier that evening. Officers are seeking information regarding the two individuals at Banff-area restaurants or bars around dinnertime on the same date.

Sgt. Brett Reiben of the B.C. Highway Patrol in Cranbrook noted that individuals may have stopped at the scene or observed the vehicle prior to the crash without having spoken to officers yet.

Anyone who observed the driving behaviour of the Nissan, possesses dash-cam footage, or has information concerning the driver’s actions in the hours leading up to the crash is requested to contact B.C. Highway Patrol in Cranbrook at 250-420-4244, citing file (2100) 2026-2873.

Border Agents Intercept Luggage Bound for London

An Ontario resident has received a one-year prison sentence following an investigation into illegal cannabis exportation at Vancouver International Airport. Canada Border Services Agency officers intercepted 56-year-old Alaaddin Koc on Oct. 28, 2024, when they discovered approximately 31 kilograms of cannabis hidden inside his suitcase prior to a flight bound for London’s Heathrow Airport.

Arrest Warrant Issued After Missed Court Appearance

Following the initial seizure at the airport, members of the RCMP’s Federal Policing Pacific Region border integrity team arrested Koc, releasing him while investigations continued. After charges were formally approved under the Cannabis Act, Koc failed to appear in court, prompting authorities to issue a Canada-wide arrest warrant. Officers eventually located and apprehended the Windsor, Ont., resident in his home province.

Guilty Plea and Final Sentencing

Koc pleaded guilty on July 27 to charges of possessing cannabis for the purpose of exportation. On Sept. 1, he was handed a 12-month prison sentence alongside a lifetime ban on possessing firearms.

Police noted that despite the legal status of recreational cannabis in Canada, illegal export markets remain an ongoing concern for law enforcement. “The outbound flow of illicit drugs is a continued focus of multiple international partners and is a priority for the FPPR Border Integrity Program,” stated RCMP Staff Sgt. Rhonda Hislop, acting officer in charge of the program for air and marine operations.

New Contender in Kamloops-North Thompson

Voters in Kamloops-North Thompson will see a seasoned campaigner on the ballot as John Kidder seeks to represent the BC Green Party in the upcoming provincial election. The party recently circulated Kidder’s nomination form to members via email to collect the required signatures for Elections BC confirmation.

Kidder, who resides in Ashcroft, brings a long history of political involvement to the race. Though he has never held public office, he has previously campaigned in several provincial and federal elections under the Green banner, and also ran as a federal Liberal candidate in 2011. He is married to Elizabeth May, the leader of the federal Green Party.

The Provincial Race Takes Shape

Once his candidacy is formally confirmed by election authorities, Kidder will enter a competitive field. He is set to challenge BC Conservative incumbent Ward Stamer in the riding.

The ballot will also feature Kory Clark, a 24-year-old health-care worker running for the BC NDP, according to reports.