The amalgamation of two West Shore RCMP crime units has produced some tangible results.
Since the local detachment’s Street Crime Unit and Crime Reduction Unit joined forces in mid-September, the new unit has arrested 18 individuals and recommended a total of 34 charges. Those include possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, theft and unlawful possession of firearms.
During this roughly 10-week period, the new Crime Reduction Unit has also seized substantial quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, OxyContin, fentanyl and steroids. Officers have also seized cash, handguns and vehicles.
“We want (the) West Shore to be safe and the unit is relentlessly going after those involved in crime,” Cpl. Bryson Hill of the West Shore RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit said in a statement.
The unit was created to actively target prolific and property crime offenders. It also investigates and targets street level drug offenders and apprehends those with outstanding arrest warrants.
With roughly 72,000 people now living in the West Shore and the population still growing, residents can play a major role in the ongoing fight against crime.
Local police officers say it all starts by providing an extra set of eyes and ears.
If you have any information about drug trafficking or any other criminal activity on the West Shore, you’re asked to contact the local detachment at 250-474-2264 or call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
katie@goldstreamgazette.com