A senior member of the Kelowna Hells Angels motorcycle gang who was acquitted of drug charges four years ago has been charged with drug trafficking and conspiracy to import cocaine.

RCMP say David Giles, vice president of the Angels' Kelowna chapter, as well as six others, were arrested on the weekend after a 20-month investigation that spanned several countries, including Mexico and Panama.

Police say searches were conducted in Kelowna, Osoyoos and the Lower Mainland on Saturday, and Giles was arrested at a Burnaby casino.

Mounties say they seized assault rifles, handguns, and $4 million in cash during the searches.

In 2008, Giles was found not guilty of possessing cocaine, but his two co-accused each received jail sentences after police seized cocaine in several locations as part of a crackdown on the motorcycle club.

Giles is expected to make a court appearance in Vancouver today.

THE CANADIAN PRESS