Couple accused of running massive, nationwide drug operation -- caught in Canada

FUGITIVES CAPTURED August 5, 2013 -- A couple accused in a nationwide drug operation were taken into custody by Canada Border Services Agency officers at the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal in British Columbia last Monday. Matt Nicka and Gretchen Peterson are being turned over to U.S. officials at the border and have their first appearance in court in the U.S. within two weeks. The U.S. Marshals Service and the DEA commended the CBSA and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their help in the case.

FUGITIVE UPDATE June 30, 2013 -- U.S. Marshals say Matt Nicka was recently spotted by Canadian authorities in Coquitlam, British Columbia, but was able to run away after getting chased. They think he then left Coquitlam, and headed to Richmond, B.C., which is near the Vancouver airport. WANTED BY U.S. MARSHALS January 11, 2013 -- U.S. Marshals are looking for a couple accused of running a massive nationwide drug operation who they said they may be hiding in the Pacific Northwest. Nicka and Peterson are wanted by the DEA and agents said their drug ring moved more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana from a warehouses in northern California to Baltimore and then shipped it to dealers in Pennsylvania and as far south as Louisiana. U.S. Marshals said they have enormous resources and a national network that helps them hide from the law, but they believe they may be hiding near the border of Canada and they have connections from California to Texas. Jason Manco with the U.S. Marshals said Peterson's 13-year-old daughter Lily is with them, so be on the lookout for a family of three. "I think they're definitely going to be together and I also think the daughter is going to be with Gretchen,” Manco said. “I think they would change their appearance but not to any extreme -- he might have gained some weight, might of grown a beard -- he's getting to the age where he might start graying." Matt Nicka, 38, is the boss of organization and most likely using an assumed identity like "Anthony Thacker," "Matt Marino" or "Calvin Bartlett" and he has a tattoo of the letter "M" on his left wrist. Crime Stoppers of Vancouver, British Columbia, is on alert as are all of our law enforcement partners in Washington -- they're standing by for a tip from you to get Matt Nicka and Gretchen Peterson in to custody. Let’s help the U.S. Marshals track these two down -- if you know where they are, there is a cash reward of up to a $1,000 for information leading to their arrest and your call to Crime Stoppers is anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS. Click here to text a tip.