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Traffic stop leads to seizure of weapons, drugs, cash and an explosive device in Nanaimo

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RCMP officers conducting a traffic stop in Nanaimo got more than they bargained for Saturday morning, when they pulled over a suspicious vehicle.

In the early hours of January 22nd, Nanaimo RCMP officers were conducting patrols in the area of Bowen Road and Meredith Road when they initiated a traffic stop on a Ford Focus.

The older model vehicle did not have valid insurance and was brandishing a stolen insurance decal. 

Upon investigation, officers also found various types of prohibited weapons, drugs, several hundred dollars in Canadian currency and an improvised explosive device in the vehicle.

Officers located a loaded .12-gauge shotgun, a loaded .12 gauge “zip-gun” improvised firearm and a prohibited stun-gun flashlight.

The RCMP Explosives Disposal (EDU) were consulted regarding the explosive device and recommended that the device be taken to a nearby field until they could attend the scene and safely destroy it.

“This is an excellent example of General Duty Officers in Nanaimo conducting a thorough investigation of a suspicious vehicle that went from a straight forward charge under the Motor Vehicle Act charge for no insurance, to apprehending three persons and getting several extremely dangerous weapons off the streets,” said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

The suspects, a 31-year-old male from Vernon, and a 23-year-old male and a 28-year-old female, both from Nanaimo, were arrested. 

The individuals were later released while the investigation continues.

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