‘Blight on the downtown area:’ Nanaimo RCMP visible at Diana Krall Plaza

NANAIMO — Local Mounties made multiple arrests following a two-day enforcement blitz downtown.

From July 29-30, the Nanaimo RCMP Bike Unit, along with their Specialized Enforcement Team (SITE), patrolled and surveilled the area around Diana Krall Plaza on Commercial St, arresting ten people and seizing a number of drugs, illicit cash, and weapons.

Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien told NanaimoNewsNOW this was in response to complaints heard from nearby businesses about criminal activity and other disturbances in the area, working closely with Community Safety Officers who regularly monitor the area.

“There’s a number of warrants executed. There were drugs seized. There’s a little under $1,000, and there’s weapons taken off the street. And it was a very effective day, not only for the fact of getting these criminals off the street, but also for showing the public that we are responsive to their concerns.”