A newly-formed two-member police bike unit in the Cowichan Valley has been busy seizing suspected illegal drugs.
According to a media release, the North Cowichan Duncan RCMP Bike Unit was recently formed in an effort to combat “prolific” crime and disorder that has been occurring in the highway corridor of Duncan. The two-member unit has since investigated several files for drug trafficking and removed various illicit drugs from the streets of Duncan and North Cowichan, the release added.
In one case, the bike unit arrested a man on July 22 for possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose in the 300-block of Ypres Street. The man was also in possession of large amounts of what is believed to be methamphetamine and heroin as well as items such as scales and baggies, which are commonly used for trafficking drugs, the release noted.
“The investigation of the seized items is ongoing, with the drugs being sent to labs for safe analysis. The man involved was released with an upcoming court date and cannot be named at this time,” said North Cowichan/Duncan Const. Carlie McCann.
In another case, bike unit officers were speaking with some people in the 600-block of Trunk Road on Aug. 5 and discovered a man in possession of a large container of suspected illicit drugs
“The alleged drugs were packaged in a way that is consistent with being prepared for sale. These drugs have also been submitted for analysis and police anticipate that charges will be laid as part of the investigation,” said McCann.
According to the release, officers from other units within the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment have been temporarily reassigned to the new bike unit and work in collaboration with the Community Safer Working Group to improve safety and address issues within the community.
“The goal is to deal with concerns like drug use and trafficking, public alcohol consumption, and prolific property offenders. Using bicycles allows these police officers to react quickly to events in progress, attend calls in areas that may be difficult for vehicles to access, and be a visible presence in problem spots around the community,” said McCann.
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