Mountie’s ‘keen eye’ spots drugs on ground

Failing to stop for a pedestrian caused a lot of trouble for a suspected drug dealer in Kelowna.

On the night of Saturday, April 29, a RCMP officer noticed a 1997 Toyota Corolla fail to stop for a pedestrian who was in a marked crosswalk traveling northbound on Water Street from Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna.

The officer conducted a traffic stop.

“Upon approaching the vehicle, he observed open liquor in the centre console and the male driver appeared to be intoxicated,” Const. Mike Della-Paolera said.

“The officer had the driver exit the vehicle at which point a clear baggy of pink-coloured suspected drugs fell to the ground.”

The man, who police believe is a street-level drug seller, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance.

A subsequent search of the man and the vehicle produced approximately $870 of cash and 495 grams of methamphetamines, 216 grams of cocaine and 51 grams of fentanyl, among other drugs.

“This officer’s keen eye removed a significant amount of drugs from the streets of Kelowna and has disrupted the local drug trade, possibly saving countless lives,” Della-Paolera said.

The media relations officer said the suspect was held in custody before being released to attend court.