An effort to target drug dealers on the West Shore has led to the arrest of a suspect who has had more than 250 interactions with police in the past several years.
He faces charges that include drug trafficking and theft under $5,000.
The arrest of the 30-year-old man May 10 followed a search carried out by the West Shore RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit at a residential Langford property on Moyes Road, near Treanor Avenue.
The search netted 5.5 grams of fentanyl, 175 grams of methamphetamine, more than 43 grams of crack cocaine, a number of fake prescription drugs that are suspected to be opioids, drug-packaging materials and $1,200 cash.
Also seized were bear spray and a prohibited conducted-energy weapon.
West Shore RCMP Const. Nancy Saggar said the investigation that led to the arrest lasted about two weeks, and more cases are in the works.
She said the Crime Reduction Unit’s mandate includes looking at drug-related crime on the West Shore.
“That’s something that the unit is focused on, so whether it be looking at drug dealers, drug traffickers, what their connections are to higher-organized crime,” she said.
Saggar stressed that police rely heavily on the public for tips in dealing with drug issues.
“They’ll know what’s going on in their neighbourhood,” she said. “They’ll be able to spot things that are unusual.
“That’s a message that we would like to drive home here.”
People don’t have to identify themselves to police, Saggar said.
“If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your name, you can always report anonymously through Crime Stoppers.”
Anyone with information regarding drug trafficking is asked to call West Shore RCMP at 250-474-2264 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
