Thursday, March 28, 2024

44-year-old Saanich man arrested for trafficking drugs including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine

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Saanich Police have arrested 44-year-old Jason Van Winkle on charges of drug trafficking after finding him in possession of significant amounts of drugs, cash, and weapons.

After gathering enough information to suspect Van Winkle of trafficking, Saanich Police with the assistance of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Unit and Victoria Police, conducted a traffic stop in the 600 block of Esquimalt Road.

See also: Saanich Police recover stolen car, drugs, illicit weapons during traffic stops

The suspect was found with drugs packed individually for sale, cash, and multiple cell
phones.

After gathering this evidence, police executed a search warrant on a home in the 4000 block of Cavallin Court in Saanich.

There, they found over 3 kilograms of drugs – believed to be cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and crystal methamphetamine – with what police say is a street value of around $350,000, over $40,000 in cash, and $25,000 in stolen property.

(Saanich Police)

Police also found batons and two replica firearms. A 2019 Jeep Cherokee was also seized and is being recommended for forfeiture.

“These are large quantities of drugs that were destined for the streets of Greater Victoria,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades in a statement.

“As we know, these types of drugs have been responsible for an epidemic of overdose deaths in the region, and we can only hope that this significant drug seizure will help save some lives.”

Van Winkle appeared in court on Friday and has been charged with three counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking and for Failing to Comply with Conditions of a Recognizance.

Court records indicate that the suspect has an extensive record with the criminal justice system, and is known to police for drug trafficking and related offences.

He is expected to appear in court again later this week.

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Brishti Basu
Former Senior Staff Writer and Content Manager at Victoria Buzz.

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