RCMP in the West Shore region have made two major drug busts in separate investigations, resulting in the seizure of large quantities of illicit substances, cash, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
The busts were carried out by Sooke RCMP and West Shore RCMP in separate incidents.
On January 30th, Sooke RCMP, with assistance from multiple specialized units, executed search warrants at two properties on Kemp Lake Road and Walse Road in Sooke.
The operation, part of a drug trafficking investigation, resulted in the seizure of approximately 3.5 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.
Officers also recovered counterfeit US currency, Canadian cash, a money counter, and other items indicative of an illegal drug distribution operation.
Two individuals—a 53-year-old man from Sooke and a 33-year-old woman with no fixed address—were arrested without incident. They have been released on an undertaking to appear in court on April 10th.
Sooke RCMP said a report detailing the evidence will be submitted to Crown Counsel for potential charges.
“This is a significant seizure for Sooke. With the rapid growth of our community, we are taking steps to create dedicated specialized teams in Sooke to target drug operations,” said S/Sgt. Greg Willcocks, detachment commander of Sooke RCMP, emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking.
“Sooke RCMP will continue to target these operations and ensure that the people involved in the distribution of dangerous and illegal drugs are brought to justice.”
Two days earlier, on January 28th, members of the West Shore RCMP Bike Unit initiated a traffic stop in Langford, leading to another significant drug seizure.
During the stop, a passenger exited the vehicle and dropped a small baggie containing a substance suspected to be fentanyl. Police officers then noticed drug paraphernalia inside the truck, prompting further investigation.
Both the driver and passenger, identified as 39- and 42-year-old men, were arrested for possession of a controlled substance.
According to police, a subsequent search of the truck uncovered:
- 32 grams of suspected fentanyl
- 100 milliliters of suspected Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
- 10 grams of suspected methamphetamine
- 29 grams of suspected cocaine
- Drug trafficking paraphernalia
- Over $2,000 in cash
The evidence led police to obtain a search warrant for a residence belonging to one of the suspects. Upon executing the warrant, officers seized:
- 31 grams of suspected fentanyl
- 1.5 liters of suspected GHB
- 39 grams of suspected methamphetamine
- Approximately 600 suspected Dilaudid pills
- 21 grams of suspected psilocybin
- Stolen prescription bottles
- Additional drug trafficking paraphernalia
Both suspects were released on undertakings to appear in court at a later date. The investigation remains ongoing.
