Car with wrong licence plates leads to discovery of 'significant' drug trafficking operation in Saanich
Police say a vehicle that was displaying the wrong licence plates led to the discovery of a "significant drug trafficking operation" in Saanich.
West Shore RCMP says officers were in the Malahat area on June 14 when they spotted a vehicle heading northbound on the highway. Police ran the licence plate numbers and found that the plates were registered to a different car.
Mounties followed the car until it stopped at an empty parking lot near Duncan, at which point police went to speak with the driver.
As the officers approached, police say the vehicle "immediately accelerated" and drove towards the officers, ultimately ramming the front of one police vehicle and sideswiping another.
The vehicle drove away from the scene and police did not pursue it in the interest of public safety.
Shawnigan Lake RCMP officers located the car later that day and arrested two people without incident, according to police.
Inside the vehicle, investigators say they found a loaded Beretta handgun that was reported stolen from Nanaimo in August 2020, over three ounces of suspected fentanyl, smaller amounts of suspected cocaine and meth, more than $15,000 in cash, "numerous" collapsible batons and multiple cans of bear spray.
A search warrant was then executed at a residence in Saanich, involving officers from the West Shore RCMP, Saanich police and Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team.
At the property, police say they found signs of a significant drug trafficking operation, including a large quantity of GHB, a sedative sometimes referred to as the date-rape drug, as well as ammunition and a replica handgun.
"This is one example of the ongoing proactive work being done by our officers and the risks they face daily," said West Shore RCMP Supt. Todd Preston.
"Through hard work and teamwork, we have disrupted a substantial drug trafficking operation and removed multiple weapons from the community," he said.
Brandon Seguin, 26, is now facing several recommended charges related to drug trafficking. The charges include possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited firearm, flight from a peace officer and dangerous operation of a vehicle.
A 38-year-old Saanich woman who was a passenger of the vehicle at the time is also facing recommended charges of possession of a controlled substance. RCMP say both individuals are known to police.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in father's drowning, told police he was baptizing him
A Massachusetts man who told police he was exorcising a demon and performing a baptism when he shoved his father's head under water multiple times has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.