Comox Valley RCMP took some drugs off local streets with several busts this month.In the early-morning hours of Sept. 11, RCMP surprised a suspected local drug dealer as he slept when they searched his residence in the 4600 block of Headquarters Road in Courtenay.The 44-year-old was found in possession of a quantity of cocaine, cash and bear spray.The man was arrested as a result and later released on a promise to appear in court. Police are recommending charges of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. On Sept. 14, the Comox Valley RCMP’s drug section searched a residence located above a business on Fifth Street in Courtenay.  This search resulted in one of the largest ecstasy seizures in the Comox Valley. Over 900 pills suspected to be ecstasy were seized along with other synthetic drugs, marijuana and a substantial amount of cash.The resident, a 28-year-old Courtenay male was arrested and later released on a promise to appear. Police are seeking charges of possession of ecstasy and marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. Michael Austin Schmidt, 23, was arrested in Comox after a search in the 2100 block of McKenzie Avenue on Sept. 18. A quantity of cocaine and heroin along with a loaded 9mm handgun were seized as a result. Schmidt is charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of heroin for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a restricted firearm and possession of ammunition for a restricted firearm.• • •RCMP attended a single-vehicle motor vehicle incident just before 10 p.m. on Sept. 22 in the 5900 block of Highway 19A in Courtenay.  A 19-year-old Merville resident was fortunate to have been able to walk away after he lost control of the truck he was driving, say RCMP. He was attempting to pass another on the right while it was raining heavily, a substantial amount of water had gathered on the roadways and it was very dark. The truck hydroplaned and then went off road, where it flipped three times before coming to a stop, police added. The vehicle was a writeoff due to extensive damage.The driver faces possible charges in relation to this incident under the Motor Vehicle Act.Police urge all drivers to adjust their speeds accordingly with the rainy season now upon us. — Comox Valley RCMP

Comox Valley Record