Three people who worked at a Victoria bar have been charged with drug trafficking after undercover Victoria police officers reported being able to buy drugs in the establishment.

Operation Hangover 1 targeted Soprano’s karaoke bar at 730 Caledonia Ave., which is one block from the Victoria Police Department building.

article continues below

Undercover officers went to the bar and were able to buy cocaine and marijuana from the bartenders and saw bar patrons buy drugs as well, said police spokesman Const. Mike Russell. Officers also spotted several liquor infractions and shared that information with liquor enforcement officers.

Emil Spelman and Brandy Coles are charged with two counts of trafficking in a controlled substance. Lars Borgerson is charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. Charges were recently approved by the Crown prosecutor’s office.

Soprano’s manager Brian Markle said Friday Coles no longer works as a bartender there. He would not comment on the status of Borgerson and Spelman.

“I’ve had a meeting with our security people and they are to enlighten anyone who might be associated with the drug trade that if they get caught in here we will report them,” Markle said.

He said the investigation “was a complete surprise.”

The sting was launched this year in response to information gathered by officers with the Late Night Great Night task force who witnessed and heard that some bar staff were selling drugs and breaking liquor laws. About a dozen undercover officers and covert surveillance were involved in the investigation.

Three weeks after Hangover 1, Victoria police launched Hangover 2, a second undercover operation at Soprano’s. This time, officers reported that they saw numerous liquor infractions but no drug trafficking, Russell said.

An inspector with the liquor control branch said he could not comment on what kind of penalties Soprano’s might face since the matter is still under investigation.

“The mixing of drug sales and liquor infractions are very concerning to us and we’re glad we were able to have a successful project,” said Victoria police Insp. Brian Fox. “If we get information that this is happening again, you can bet we will complete the trilogy.”

kderosa@timescolonist.com