Nanaimo RCMP seized a quantity of drugs, cash and replica handguns from a routine traffic stop downtown on Saturday, Nov. 21. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

TRAFFIC STOP

Downtown Nanaimo traffic stop uncovers drugs, replica handgun & cash

Dec 3, 2020 | 9:43 AM

NANAIMO — A gut feeling from a RCMP officer resulted in the discovery of weapons and drugs concealed in a person’s underwear.

Police pulled over a vehicle with a 46-year-old male behind the wheel driving suspiciously through downtown Nanaimo on Saturday, Nov. 21 around 10 a.m.

A search of the vehicle turned up several grams of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine, two large knives and about $700 cash.

The man was arrested at the scene after the officer found outstanding warrants for break and enter and uttering threats. A search at the police station revealed drugs in an unusual place, according to police.

“A further search in the Nanaimo cell block resulted in 50 jeweller bags of suspected methamphetamine found secreted in the suspect’s underwear,” Cst. Gary O’Brien said in a statement.

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Also discovered as part of the search was a black replica hand gun stuffed in the vehicle’s front seat. O’Brien said police officers don’t have the time during a situation like this to know if a gun is real or not.

“The firearm was easily within reach of the driver. Thankfully it did not come into play during this vehicle check. This was an excellent pro-active vehicle stop by a front line officer, who acted on his police instincts and it paid off.”

The vehicle was impounded for improper tread on the tires while the driver was released unconditionally but faces charges of possession of a controlled substance.

RCMP noted no charges will come as a result of the replica gun or knives found by police.

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