Air surveillance helps police track suspects in major Nanaimo drug bust

Police uncover suspected cocaine, fentanyl and pen gun during Nanaimo investigation.

A specialized anti-gang policing operation in Nanaimo has resulted in the seizure of more than a kilogram of suspected illicit drugs and a concealed firearm after two suspects were tracked down following an attempted traffic stop earlier this month.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia says members of its Uniform Gang Enforcement Team were in Nanaimo from June 5 to June 7 as part of an initiative targeting gang activity and drug trafficking on Vancouver Island.

According to investigators, officers were patrolling near Strickland Avenue and Robin Street on June 5 when they spotted behaviour they believed was linked to a dial-a-dope drug operation.

Police tired to stop the vehicle connected to the investigation, but the driver did not pull over and left the area.

Officers did not pursue the vehicle. RCMP Air Services, which was already operating in the area, monitored the vehicle from the air while officers on the ground worked with Nanaimo RCMP and Police Dog Services to locate the suspects.

“Nanaimo PDS successfully located and arrested the female passenger, while the male driver was arrested a short distance away for flight from a peace officer,” police said in a statement.

“During the investigation, officers recovered a bag believed to have been discarded by the suspects. The bag contained more than one kilogram of suspected illicit drugs, including suspected cocaine, fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, and illicit pills. Officers also seized a .22-calibre pen gun concealed inside the bag.”

The driver has been released for the flight from a peace officer investigation, but police say additional charges connected to drug trafficking and firearms offences are expected as the investigation continues.

Nanaimo RCMP operations officer Insp. Donovan Tait said the operation highlights the value of uniting specialized enforcement teams.

“By combining these resources and working closely with local units, we’re able to respond to complex, localized concerns like drug trafficking in a co-ordinated way that prioritizes public safety and community well-being,” said Tait.

Police have not released the identities of those arrested, and no charges have been announced.