Police search for wanted Courtenay man with suspected connection to Hells Angels

A special police unit is asking for the public’s help in locating a wanted man with reported ties to the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club who skipped his court appearance related to drug trafficking charges.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. (CFSEU-BC) is searching for Jonathan Erin Clifford, a man in his 40s from Courtenay, who failed to appear in court on Feb. 1.

CFSEU-BC investigation

Clifford was one of six people who were arrested back in January 2022 as part of a police investigation into alleged organized drug trafficking with ties to the Hells Angels.

At the time, four search warrants were executed at properties in the Comox Valley and Campbell River areas.

Six people, including Clifford, were arrested during the raids.

Police also seized around $160,000 in cash, 3.5 kilograms of cocaine, several firearms – including a handgun, sawed-off shotguns and several long guns – as well as one vehicle, and other “Hells Angels paraphernalia.”

On Nov. 30, 2023, charges were approved against the six people arrested, including Clifford, Shawna Leblanc, Peter Billie, Rhys Tyler Vernon Bolton, Jeff Pasanen and Randall King.

All individuals were from Vancouver Island.

In November, Clifford was charged with one count of participating in the activities of a criminal organization, and one count of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

He was scheduled to appear in court for these two charges on Feb. 1, but did not appear.

Police have now issued a warrant for his arrest, and say that his last known residence was in the Comox Valley area.

Anyone who spots Clifford is asked to call their local police or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or online.

SEE ALSO:

• Drug trafficking bust includes seizure at Langford motorcycle club with ties to organized crime
• Former Nanaimo Hell’s Angels vice-president sentenced for drug trafficking

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