Last weekend, the West Shore RCMP made significant strides in combating drug trafficking and recovering suspected stolen property.
Over the course of several days, three separate vehicle stops resulted in the arrest of multiple individuals and the seizure of a substantial quantity of drugs and suspected stolen clothing.
The operation began around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 13th, when an RCMP officer pulled over a pickup truck in the 800-block of the Langford Parkway.
The stop was initiated because the vehicle was associated with a prohibited driver.
However, officers from the West Shore RCMP Crime Reduction Unit quickly noticed evidence of drug trafficking and discovered drugs within reach of the driver, identified as a 38-year-old resident of View Royal.
Subsequent searches of the vehicle led to the discovery of 23 grams of suspected cocaine, a significant portion of which was pre-packaged and ready for distribution, along with approximately 30 pills believed to be fentanyl.
As a result, the pickup was seized by police due to its use in the commission of an offense.
The following day, around 10:40 p.m., officers observed suspicious activities related to drugs in a vehicle near the intersection of Brock Avenue and Jacklin Road.
Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of three individuals aged 70, 64, and 17, for possession of a controlled substance. Inside the vehicle, police discovered about 60 pills suspected to be OxyContin, several small bags filled with suspected crack cocaine prepared for sale, and over $2,000 in cash.
The series of arrests reached its climax around 11:25 p.m. on Sunday when police spotted a Jeep swerving across traffic lanes near the Island Highway and Burnett Road.
The ensuing stop resulted in the arrest of two 40-year-old men and a 31-year-old woman, all on charges of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
A search of the Jeep revealed more than $1,000 worth of Lululemon clothing believed to be stolen, over 200 pills suspected to be oxycodone, in excess of $17,000 in cash, and the presence of an axe and two large knives.
Consequently, the Jeep was seized by police.
“West Shore RCMP is committed to disrupting and dismantling the drug trade in West Shore. There was a significant amount of drugs and cash taken off the street this past weekend,” said Inspector Stephen Rose, Officer in Charge of Operations at West Shore RCMP.
The suspects were released from custody as the investigation is ongoing. Drug trafficking charges are expected.
Though some drugs have been decriminalized in the province of BC, decriminalized drugs cannot be in a motor vehicle where the illegal substances are readily accessible to the driver or in a motor vehicle where there is a minor present.
