Former correctional officer, 3 others charged after Chilliwack RCMP Drug Section investigation

CHILLIWACK — Mounties in Chilliwack say a former correctional officer has been arrested and charged with multiple offences stemming from an investigation by the Chilliwack RCMP Drug Section.

According to a news release from police, Jason Lee was charged Wednesday (Aug. 28) with obstruction of justice as part of a criminal investigation, conspiracy to obstruct justice, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence of trafficking in a controlled substance, obstruction of justice, accepting a bribe as a peace officer, breach of trust by a public officer, trafficking in a controlled substance as part of a criminal organization, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence of bribery.

Police say Lee has been released on strict bail conditions while the court process continues.

Police said the arrest arose due to close collaboration between the Chilliwack RCMP Drug Section and the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) following the discovery of evidence consistent with a correctional officer smuggling contraband, including drugs, weapons, and cellular phones, to inmates within an institution in the Fraser Valley. The name of the prison was not identified.

On September 21, 2023, police say search warrants were executed at several locations in Chilliwack, resulting in the seizure of Canadian currency, illicit substances, and illegal contraband which supported the police investigation.

Image: RCMP / Currency seized by police.

As a result of this investigation, three co-accused, Mark Majcher, Lucas Thiessen, and Jeffrey Tkatchuk, are facing the following charges of obstruction of justice as part of a criminal organization, conspiracy to obstruct justice, conspiracy to bribe a peace officer, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence of trafficking in a controlled substance and obstruction of justice.

Image: RCMP / Illicit substances seized by police.

Jeffrey Tkatchuk is also facing a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking pursuant to Sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act.

“This was a complex investigation that the Chilliwack RCMP Drug Section was able to advance through meticulous police work,” said Chilliwack RCMP spokesperson Corporal Carmen Kiener. “We take this type of criminal activity seriously not only to protect our communities but also to ensure public trust in law enforcement. Throughout the investigative process, Canada Correctional Services was an integral partner in ensuring a comprehensive and quality investigation was completed.”