Nanaimo RCMP seized suspected drugs and nearly $2,000 cash after being alerted about an erratic driver last night.
According to a press release, a driver contacted police after seeing a southbound car, described as a Nissan Versa, swerving in and out of lanes near Superior Road and old Island Highway around 1:30 p.m. Jan. 24. The car was said to be all over the road, crossing the centre line and speeding up and slowing down. The caller followed the erratic driver until the man stopped near Brannen Road.
Police were able to locate the vehicle in minutes, based on real-time information from the caller, and the man, 36, was said to display “gross symptoms of impairment and was arrested for impaired driving,” said the press release.
In addition, a search of the suspect revealed 25 grams of crystal methamphetamine, under 20 grams of what was thought to be fentanyl and $1,920 cash. The suspect was also arrested for possession for the purpose of trafficking. The man was given a 24-hour driving prohibition and the drug charges are pending, RCMP said.
Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesman, said the seizure was made possible because someone called police.
“A motorist took the time to call us and didn’t wait to get home and have a coffee and post it on Facebook,” he said. “They called us in real-time which allowed us to get there as soon as the driver stopped the vehicle. That was the key part of this whole investigation.”
The driver has since been released and the investigation is ongoing, O’Brien said.
