Impaired Driving Check Yields $20K Cash and Cocaine Seizure in B.C.

UPDATE: An impaired driving check in Saanich, B.C. has escalated into a major drug bust, with police seizing over $20,000 in cash and a suspected brick of cocaine weighing approximately 1 kilogram. The incident unfolded just before 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, 2023, when officers responded to reports of a man allegedly smoking from a glass pipe while behind the wheel of a Mercedes SUV.

Upon arrival at the parking lot located in the 3500 block of Blanshard Street, officers found a man and woman seemingly unconscious in the front seats of the vehicle, with the engine still running. The Saanich Police Department (SPD) stated in a news release that an officer observed what appeared to be drugs and paraphernalia on the driver’s lap.

In an urgent turn of events, the officer arrested the male driver and prevented him from fleeing by removing the keys from the ignition. Following the arrest, police conducted a search of the vehicle, uncovering a brick of what is believed to be cocaine along with the substantial amount of cash.

The driver has been issued a 90-day driving prohibition and subsequently released. The SPD confirms that the investigation into the drug-related offenses is ongoing, and authorities plan to recommend charges at a later date.

This incident highlights the ongoing battle against impaired driving and drug-related crime in the region. As investigations continue, local residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

What’s Next? Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the investigation in the coming days, with potential charges looming for the involved parties. Stay tuned for more urgent developments on this breaking story.