A well-known suspect is back in custody after he was arrested in his home at the 800-block of Marigold Rd. in Saanich by the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team on Wednesday.
Drugs and firearms were among the many illegal items found during the search.
Saanich Police had been monitoring criminal activity from home for two months. It is directly across from Hyacinth Park.
“This was a significant investigation that resulted in the arrest of a man that is well known to us,” said acting Sgt. Jereme Leslie. “This lifelong criminal was conducting a drug operation across the street from a park that is well used by many children and community groups. We feel that our community is now safer with this prolific offender off the streets.”
The ERT officers executed the search warrant of the home and arrested both residents, a 41-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman.
Investigators attended and uncovered a trove of drugs including crack cocaine, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, marijuana and GHB (date rape drug). Police also recovered body armour, stolen property and a large cache of weapons, including swords, hunting knives and other large knives, bear spray, conducted energy weapons (tasers), multiple replica firearms and a rifle.
Among the stolen items was construction tools and other household products. Body armour, it should be noted, is no longer permitted without license, said acting Sgt. Jereme Leslie.
“So much was taken the investigators are still going through it all to measure just how much drugs there is and working on a cash value,” Leslie said. “They’re also catalogue everything and determining the source of the stolen items.”
The male was in court on Friday and is facing up to 30 criminal charges. The woman is also facing a handful of charges, yet to be determined.
It was unknown as of Friday morning if either of the suspects would be released.
“We know the (male) suspect well and are aware he tends to engage in criminal activity when not in jail,” Leslie said.
Dollar figures and volume amounts for the drugs will be released soon, Leslie said.
reporter@saanichnews.com
