Large amount of drugs and cash seized

A traffic stop led to police seizing several bags of drugs in Kelowna.

An officer on patrol the night of Sept. 27 noticed a vehicle parked at an angle off the road near an authorized camp for unhoused persons on Weddell Place.

The vehicle pulled out in front of the police car, allowing the officer to check the licence plate which showed the vehicle was unregistered and the owner had an invalid driver’s licence.

“The officer conducted a vehicle stop on Gordon Drive and Cawston Avenue and spoke with the driver, who verbally identified himself as the person the officer suspected,” RCMP Const. Mike Della-Paolera said. “The officer advised the driver he was now prohibited from driving and his vehicle would be impounded.”

Once a tow truck arrived on scene, the driver exited his vehicle and started to gather his belongings when officers located what appeared to be a small amount of drugs on the driver’s seat and on the floor mat.

“The driver was subsequently arrested for possession of [controlled drugs and substances] and the officer then conducted a search incidental to arrest and located several bags of illicit drugs, large amounts of cash, baggies, and an airsoft pistol in a bag,” Della-Paolera added.

The suspect faces several charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Della-Paolera said officers removed another large amount of illicit drugs from the streets.

“The RCMP are committed to disrupting the illicit drug trade in Kelowna. The seizure resulted in hundreds of doses of harmful drugs taken out of the hands of those who are responsible for trafficking these substances in our community,” he said.