Drugs seized after foot pursuit

A traffic stop in Kelowna escalated to a foot pursuit, arrest and seizure of drugs.

Kelowna RCMP’s Community Safety Unit was on patrol near Highway 97 and Cooper Road at approximately 3:40 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, when a brown Nissan Altima committed an undisclosed Motor Vehicle Act offence.

Police pulled over the vehicle in the 1800 block of Cooper Road. The lone male occupant then exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.

Officers pursued the man, who was observed throwing a bag into a nearby bush. Police caught up with the man and took him into custody without incident.

The bush was then searched and the bag, allegedly containing trafficking-level amounts of suspected fentanyl and crack cocaine, was found.

Police then searched the man’s vehicle and discovered other evidence consistent with drug trafficking including cellphones, weapons and cash.

“This is a prime example of the hidden dangers and unknowns officers experience during traffic stops,” Sgt. Scott Powrie of the Community Safety Unit, said.

“In this case, we have a safe ending and likely put a significant disruption in the local drug trade along with possibly saving many others from a potentially toxic drug supply.”

The suspect was taken into custody, and was later released with a first appearance court date.

Police say a laboratory analysis of the drugs, and an expert opinion in trafficking, is required for charge approval in federal matters.

The vehicle and cash may also be subject to civil forfeiture.