Drug suspects arrested after gas station struggle

RCMP officers say something looked suspicious when a vehicle pulled into a business in Lake Country.

Mounties spotted the car stopping at a gas station in the 9700 block of Highway 97 on Saturday, Dec. 16 around 3 a.m.

“Officers approached the car and observed in plain view, drug paraphernalia and suspected drugs,” Cpl. Ryder Birtwistle said.

The passenger and driver were arrested for possession of a controlled substance and, after a brief struggle, both were taken into custody.

“A search incidental to arrest found approximately 9 grams of suspected fentanyl, several thousand dollars of Canadian currency, a digital scale and suspected cocaine,” Birtwistle added.

The corporal said the combination of the drugs and the large amount of cash lead officers to believe the individuals were involved in the illicit drug trade, and all the items were seized as evidence.

Both individuals were released at the scene and the investigation remains ongoing.

Sgt. Jon Collins, Lake Country Detachment commander, said there are specific laws that relate to operating a motor vehicle and transporting personal amounts of drugs inside, and in this particular case, the suspects were not abiding by them.

“Officers will continue to enforce the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to ensure road safety and stem the flow of illicit drugs into our communities. This is a great example of proactive work being done by our Lake Country RCMP officers and being present in our community,” Collins stated.