If the Canada Border Services Agency wants to deport either of the Meerholz brothers, that has nothing to do with criminal investigations by the RCMP.
Prince George Supt. Eric Stubbs said he was not aware of any increased interest by federal deportation officials since new allegations came to light against Francois and Dillan Meerholz, who were in local RCMP custody less than 24 hours after police announced they were wanted.
"Both suspects turned themselves in to police," said Prince George RCMP spokesman Cpl. Craig Douglass. "At approximately 11:30 p.m. [Tuesday], Francois and Dillan Meerholz attended the front counter of the Prince George RCMP Detachment and surrendered to police. Both were wanted for their alleged involvement in a kidnapping and assault investigation that began on Sunday."
Federal officials have taken steps to deport Francois Meerholz back to his native South Africa due to past allegations, but have been so far unsuccessful. The last hearing on his eligibility to live in Canada was held in March 2011.
The Immigration Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board met with concerned parties, including Francois Meerholz, where it was decided that there was no legal basis for sending him back to South Africa based on the allegations against him at that time. (See related story.)
Two other local men were arrested shortly after police were notified on Sunday evening of a possible case of unlawful confinement, a connected marijuana grow-operation, and a cache of allegedly stolen goods all at a rural home in the Ferndale area east of the city.
Formal charges have not been laid against anyone in relation to these allegations.
