A police officer鈥檚 hunch and his a subsequent search of a car yielded weapons, drugs and cash in downtown Nanaimo last month.
According to a Nanaimo RCMP press release, the officer became suspicious at 10 a.m. on Nov. 21 when he saw a 鈥渟uspicious-looking vehicle鈥� circling the downtown area. The vehicle was stopped on Victoria Crescent and while approaching the car, the officer saw two large knives on the back seat and a large bundle of money sticking out of the driver鈥檚 pocket.
When identified, it was learned the 46-year-old driver had an outstanding warrant for break-and-enter and uttering threats, and he was subsequently arrested.
鈥淎 search of his clothing found several grams of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine and the $700 in Canadian currency,鈥� the press release said. 鈥淚n addition to the drugs already found, a further search in the Nanaimo cell block resulted in 50 jeweller bags of suspected methamphetamine found secreted in the suspect鈥檚 underwear.鈥�
A black replica Beretta CO2 firearm was also found under the front seat of the vehicle, which was of concern, as it was easily within reach of the driver and thankfully it didn鈥檛 come into play, said Const. Gary O鈥橞rien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman.
RCMP officers occasionally come across people with replica firearms and it is sometimes hard for them to discern if the weapons are real or not, O鈥橞rien said in the press release.
鈥淎n authentic looking replica firearm will always be treated as real and may tragically result in real-life consequences,鈥� he said.
The driver was released unconditionally while the investigation continues and he could face charges of possession of a controlled substance. There will be no charges resulting from the seizure of the replica firearm or knives, the press release said.
In addition, the suspect vehicle鈥檚 tires had 鈥渧irtually no tread,鈥� was towed and won鈥檛 be allowed back on the road until such time as they are replaced with road-worthy tires, said the press release.
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