A 51-year-old Nanaimo man is facing charges including drug trafficking, after he was found hiding in the back seat of a vehicle. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

hidden figure

Nanaimo man busted with drugs, swords, and knives after being found hiding in a vehicle

Jul 5, 2024 | 5:55 PM

NANAIMO — Local mounties made a surprising discovery searching a vehicle while investigating a possible drug deal in Nanaimo’s downtown.

On April 26, members of Nanaimo RCMP’s Special Investigations/Targeted Enforcement Unit (SITE) were patrolling the downtown area when they noticed a Mitsubishi parked at the Victoria Rd. and Selby St. intersection.

Officers saw a “hand to hand” drug deal occur from a person sitting in the front passenger seat.

Police pulled in behind the vehicle and arrested the male driver and a female passenger for trafficking.

But it turns out, those weren’t the only people inside.

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The vehicle was apparently full of suitcases and large bags, and officers were surprised when they found another male hiding under the bags in the back seat.

The hidden man was removed from the vehicle and arrested.

Police found multiple swords, large knives, drug packaging supplies and what’s believed to be fentanyl inside.

Once the three individuals were identified, the male driver and female passenger were released, while the man found hiding in the backseat was arrested.

Raymond Frederick Gilliland, 51, of Nanaimo has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and wilfully resisting or obstructing a peace officer and remains in custody.

Gilliland has faced trafficking charges before, as well as possession of a dangerous weapon and breaching release orders from 2023.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow