Nanaimo RCMP have arrested a man who it said is well known for his ties to fentanyl trafficking and drug production.
The suspect was released with no charges as the investigation continues, but is expected to face two charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking (fentanyl and cocaine) and production of a controlled substance (GHB), RCMP said.
The 54-year-old man, who police could not name as charges have yet not been laid, was the target of a drug trafficking and production investigation, according to Cst. Gary O’Brien.
Officers made the arrest on March 3 when they witnessed a drug transaction in the parking lot of the Terminal Park Mall.
After searching the suspect’s car, officers found 40 litres GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate). RCMP said the man is known to have ties to producing the drug, which is commonly referred to as a “date rape drug.”
A search of the suspect’s residence in a central Nanaimo motel revealed approximately half an ounce of suspected fentanyl, three ounces of cocaine and a smaller quantity of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, according to RCMP. Officers also seized another litre of GHB and $1,500 in cash.
Officers searched three storage lockers connected to the suspect on a rural property south of Nanaimo on March 5 and found one to be the site where the GHB was being produced. Investigators seized drug production equipment, precursors and a small amount of GHB, according to O’Brien.
On March 5th three storage lockers located on a rural property south of Nanaimo were searched. One of the units was determined to be the site where the GHB was being produced. From that unit, investigators seized drug production equipment, precursors, and a small amount of GHB.
“This is just another excellent example of our officers aggressively targeting individuals who continue to sell drugs to the vulnerable population in our community, and to those who are entrenched in the vicious cycle of drug addiction,” said O’Brien.
