B.C. seeks forfeiture of 2 Kelowna properties, alleging link to drug trafficking

The B.C. Civil Forfeiture Office has filed a civil lawsuitin the B.C. Supreme Court to seize two Kelowna properties that it alleges are connected to criminal activity, together worth about$3 million.

In its Tuesday notice of claim,the province alleges aluxury rural homein south Kelownaand a car customization business calledAll Out Customs & Collision Ltd. were purchased using the proceeds of crime. The forfeiture office further alleges the businessis a shell company used to launder drug money.

Both are owned by Richard Kelly Madore, who was arrested last year after police raided All Out Customs.

B.C. police gang unit raided car shop

The lawsuit states the province's anti-gang agency, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, began a drug traffickinginvestigation in February2023. During it, officers observedMadoregoing to his business at 460 Neave Ct. "for short duration meets and transportation of bags between vehicles, consistent with drug trafficking."

On December 13, 2023, police executed a warrant on the property and seized 8.2 kilograms of cannabis in garbage bags, over three kilograms of cannabis oil stored in seven jars, and smaller amounts of cocaine, MDMA and psilocybin mushrooms. They also found and confiscated $17,000 in cash, bundled in Ziploc bags, and a backpack.

Madore was arrested at the time for possession for the purpose of trafficking, but no criminal charges have been laid against him so far.

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

At trial, police described Madoreasa "high-level trafficker," sayingtheystumbled upon him and another man on a logging road in 2006 while investigating an unrelated case, and found them in possession of 20 kilograms of cannabis and$100,000 in cash.

An appealcourt later reduced Madore's conviction tosimple possession and his two-year conditional sentence to a$2,200 fine, ruling the Crown had not proven who was the buyer and who was the seller.

Propertiesgrant a glimpse into alleged trafficking

The B.C. Civil Forfeiture Office claimsMadore purchased hishomein the 3000-block of Miller Road in Kelowna with the proceeds of crime.

The3,975-square-foot home, with sixbedrooms and threebathrooms,is set back on a 5.21-acre lot surrounded by fieldsand shieldedfrom the road by trees.

B.C. Assessment lists the value of the propertyat more than $2 million.

In late October, the All Out Customs property on Neave Court was listed on real estate websites for private sale. The province alleges the business was purchased with the proceeds of crime and has been used tolaundermoney.

Photos from the listing showan industrial buildinggarage unit filled with performancevehicles and high-end motorcycles.A pool table, jukebox, severallarge screen TVsand aseating area surround the vehicles.A bedroom, kitchen, fully equipped gym and "man cave"complete the listing.

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

While the B.C. Civil Forfeiture Office has only requested the forfeiture ofthe two properties, thecourtcanalso order the seizureof the proceeds of any sale, and any "fruits or proceeds ... profits or rents" the defendants may have obtained during ownership.

Madore's spouse is also named in the lawsuit as a co-owner of the Miller Road home and co-director of All Out Customs. Neither have filed a response to the lawsuit.

None of the province'sclaims have been tested in court.