An incorrect license plate led to the arrest of a Saanich man who was in possession of a stolen firearm, drugs, and a large amount of cash.
On June 14th, West Shore RCMP were conducting an investigation in the Malahat area when they spotted a vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 1 with licence plates registered to a different vehicle.
Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop when the vehicle stopped in an empty parking lot near Duncan, however, the driver immediately accelerated at a high rate of speed.
The suspect rammed the front end of a police vehicle and sideswiped another police cruiser as he fled the area in his car.
Police did not initiate a pursuit.
Shortly after, an officer from the Shawnigan Lake RCMP located the vehicle and two people were taken into custody without further incident.
Police conducted a search of the vehicle, seizing the following items:
- A loaded Beretta handgun that was reported stolen from Nanaimo in August of 2020
- $15,000 in Canadian currency
- Over three ounces of suspected fentanyl
- Smaller quantities of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, and GHB
- Numerous police-style collapsible batons
- Multiple canisters of bear spray
Saanich resident, 26-year-old Brandon Seguin, is facing multiple charges following the incident.
Following the arrest, the West Shore Drug and Organized Crime Unit and the Crime Reduction Unit officers executed a search warrant at Seguin’s residence in Saanich, with assistance from Saanich Police and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team.
Inside the home, police located evidence of a significant drug trafficking operation and seized a large quantity of GHB, Gamma Hydroxybutyrate.
They also located a replica handgun and ammunition.
“This is one example of the ongoing proactive work being done by our officers and the risks they face daily,” said superintendent Todd Preston of the West Shore RCMP.
“Through hard work and team work, we have disrupted a substantial drug trafficking operation and removed multiple weapons from the community.”
Police have recommended the following charges against Seguin:
- Possession of fentanyl for the purposes of trafficking
- Possession of methamphetamine for the purposes of trafficking,
- Flight from Peace Officer, Dangerous Operation of a Conveyance
- Possession of a prohibited firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm
The passenger in the vehicle, a 38-year-old woman of Saanich is also facing several charges.
Both individuals are known to the police.
