Fentanyl was seized and 11 people arrested by RCMP in two raids in Cowichan Bay and Duncan.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP raided a home in the 100 block of Trunk Road in Duncan Tuesday night after the property had been flagged as a drug house and nuisance property.
Nine people were arrested inside the property. Police seized heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine and GHB as well as scales, packaging and cash.
“Occupants were found to be residing in all areas of the home, including the attic,” said Staff Sgt. Kurtis Bosnell.
A City of Duncan bylaw officer, members of Duncan Fire Department and building inspectors were called in due to the structural problems and building code violations.
B.C. Hydro disconnected the power and it will remain off until the violations are fixed.
Joseph Smith, 36, Darwin Hopkins, 51, and Ashley Jacobson, 26, have been charged with three counts each of possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
Smith is also charged with possession of a controlled substance and was held in custody until a court appearance.
Hopkins and Jacobson were released until their court date on March 20.
Another property suspected of being linked to drug trafficking was searched on Jan. 5 in Cowichan Bay.
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP officers raided the home in the 2200 block of Cowichan Bay Road and arrested two women. Police seized suspected fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine.
No charges have been laid.
“We are continuing to use every available option to combat drug trafficking in the Cowichan Valley and address the ongoing fentanyl crisis,” Bosnell said.
He offered a warning to drug dealers: “Those involved in the drug trade should be forewarned that it is just a matter of time, you could be next.”
