Police arrest 'key player' in drug ring after routine traffic stop
By Castlegar Source
Local RCMP Cpl. Dan Moskaluk said today that a traffic stop led police to arresting “a key player” of a Kootenay drug trafficking ring.
“On April 15, a member of the Slocan Lake RCMP stopped a vehicle for a driving infraction in Winlaw. During the stop, the member formed grounds to believe the male driver, from Appledale, was in possession of a controlled substance,” said Moskaluk. “The driver was arrested and a search uncovered several packets of cocaine that were packaged for street-level distribution.
“Subsequent investigation lead members to obtain a warrant, pursuant the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, to search a residence on Kanigan Road in Appledale for evidence of cocaine trafficking. In the early morning of April 16, police searched the residence, where they found over three ounces of suspected cocaine, and about two ounces of several other substances, including what police believe to be ecstasy and ketamine.
“Charges are being recommended against the male for two counts of Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking. Other drug trafficking charges are anticipated. The male was release from custody on a Promise to Appear, and his first court appearance is set for May 31 at the Nakusp Provincial Court House.
“Based on the evidence in this investigation, police believe that they have been successful in disrupting the local market for illicit drugs by apprehending a key player who is part of a larger Kootenay area drug trafficking operation.”
Anyone with information on the distribution of drugs in the area is asked to report it to police, at your nearest detachment or through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or submit a tip securely online through the BC Crime Stoppers website.
