Five people were arrested Thursday after Nanaimo RCMP seized drugs, weapons and cash from a local business and residence.
The Nanaimo RCMP Project Team, with assistance from the Vancouver Island Emergency Response Team (ERT), searched a motel and a residence on Beavercreek Crescent. ERT was used due to the possibility of weapons.
Police seized two ounces of suspected opioids, three ounces of cocaine, 8.5 ounces of methamphetamine, numerous weapons and more than $24,000 in cash.
Knives and guns seized by the Nanaimo RCMP. Credit: RCMP.
Curtis Houle, 32, Michael Byrne, 39, Bailey Martin, 23, Kelsie Boutilier, 18, and Gerald Johnson, 32, have all been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. Johnson is also charged with possession of a prohibited device (Taser).
The other weapons that were seized were a crossbow, knives, batons, replica guns, a Uzi pellet gun and ammunition.
Two of the five arrested are still in custody. The others have been released on various conditions and will appear in court later in June.
Sgt. Rob Christenson of the Nanaimo Projects Team said the seizure was significant but noted that there are still significant drug markets in Nanaimo.
“The harm that opioids are causing in our city remains steady and these operations will remain a priority for drug enforcement officers,” Christenson said.
“The seizure of these weapons is also a reminder that the drug trade operates on a premise of violence and intimidation in the community they operate from.”
Cellphone and Taser seized. Credit: RCMP.
Machete seized. Credit: RCMP.
Alexa Huffman
