BC is seeking forfeiture of two properties in Kelowna, alleging links to drug trafficking

The BC Civil Forfeiture Office has filed a civil lawsuit in the BC Supreme Court to seize two Kelowna properties it claims are linked to criminal activity, together valued at approximately $3 million.

In its statement of claim on Tuesday, the province alleges that a luxury rural home in southern Kelowna and a car customization company called All Out Customs & Collision Ltd. were purchased with the proceeds of crime. The forfeiture office further alleges that the company is a shell company used to launder drug money.

Both are owned by Richard Kelly Madore, who was arrested last year after police raided his custom car shop.

A BC police gang unit raided an auto shop

The lawsuit states that the province’s anti-gang agency, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, began a drug trafficking investigation in February 2023. During that investigation, officers observed Madore go to his business at 460 Neave Ct. “For short gatherings and transport of bags between vehicles, consistent with drug trafficking.”

On December 13, 2023, police executed a search warrant and seized 8.2 kilos of cannabis in garbage bags, more than three kilos of cannabis oil stored in seven jars, and smaller amounts of cocaine, MDMA and magic mushrooms. They also found and seized $17,000 in cash bundled in resealable bags and a backpack.

Madore was arrested at the time for possession for the purpose of trafficking, but no criminal charges have been filed against him to date.

In 2010, Madore was convicted of unlawfully possessing marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

During the trial, police described Madore as a “high-level trafficker,” saying they encountered him and another man on a logging road in 2006 while investigating an unrelated case, and that they were in possession of 20 kilos of cannabis and $100,000 in cash.

An appeal court later reduced Madore’s conviction to simple possession and his two-year suspended sentence to a $2,200 fine, ruling that the Crown had not proven who was the buyer and who was the seller.

Properties offer a glimpse into alleged human trafficking

The BC Civil Forfeiture Office alleges Madore purchased his home in the 3000 block of Miller Road in Kelowna with the proceeds of crime.

The 3,975-square-foot home, with six bedrooms and three bathrooms, sits on 5.21 acres, surrounded by fields and shielded from the road by trees.

BC Assessment lists the property’s value at more than $2 million.

At the end of October, Madore’s car customization company was listed real estate websites for private sale. The province alleges the company was purchased with the proceeds of crime and used to launder money.

Photos from the ad show a garage unit in an industrial building filled with performance vehicles and high-end motorcycles. A pool table, jukebox, several large TVs and a seating area surround the vehicles. A bedroom, kitchen, fully equipped gym and “man cave” complete the offer.

The property is valued at $913,000, and is listed at an asking price of $869,000.

Although the BC Civil Forfeiture Office has only sought the forfeiture of the two properties, the court may also order the seizure of the proceeds of any sale, and any “fruits or proceeds … profits or rents” that the defendants may have acquired during ownership. .

Madore’s wife is also named in the lawsuit as co-owner of the home on Miller Road and co-director of the company. Neither has responded to the lawsuit.

None of the province’s claims have been tested in court.