PORT McNEILL—Cash, cocaine and drug paraphernalia were seized by Port McNeill RCMP Friday in a Valentine’s Day raid on a suspected drug house.
A 51-year-old man was subsequently arrested under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and was later released on numerous conditions, pending formal charges being laid. He is expected to appear in Port Hardy Provincial Court May 13 to face a charge of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
On Feb. 14, the Port McNeill RCMP and the RCMP Island District General Investigation Section (GIS) executed a search warrant at the residence located in the 2200 block of Camosun Crescent in Port McNeill. Investigators believe the location was a hub for the sale of cocaine within the community.
The search warrant led to the seizure of a number of items, including cocaine packaged for sale, paraphernalia commonly used in the trafficking of illegal drugs, and a quantity of Canadian currency.
“This raid marks the beginning of a coordinated effort underway in our region to identify, arrest, and charge those people who are involved in the trafficking of illegal drugs”, said Sgt. Craig Blanchard, commander of the Port McNeill RCMP.
This effort requires the ongoing support and participation of residents from all communities in the North Island, Blanchard added. If you have information relating to the trafficking and sale of illegal drugs, please call the Port McNeill RCMP at 250-956-4441, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-888-222-TIPS (8477).