On June 1 investigators of the Prince Rupert RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) assisted by uniform officers, executed a search warrant at an apartment in the 600 block of Fulton St in Prince Rupert.
Several individuals were located within the residence at the time and cocaine and prescription drugs were seized. Cpl Chamberlain of the Prince Rupert RCMP GIS notes that there has been a lot of drug activity, be it using or trafficking, within the apartment building. In this instance cocaine, Morphine, Ativan, Tylenol #3, and Oxycodone were among the items seized along with other unidentified medications that are being sent for analysis.
43 year old Richard Trodd was found within the residence and has been charged with possession of cocaine and breach of an undertaking. Mr. Trodd is currently facing drug trafficking related charges from a 2010 police investigation. Mr. Trodd later appeared before a Justice of the Peace and was released on strict conditions.
Cpl Chamberlain added that police are noticing an increase in the number of people abusing prescription medication without being under a doctor’s care which in turn lends itself to a further demand for the pills and this leads to increased trafficking.
Police want to remind the public that it is illegal to possess prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription and you may not sell, give or share prescription drugs according to Canadian Law. There are criminal consequences for these actions.
Sgt Arseneault who is the head of the North District Drug Enforcement Branch for the Prince Rupert Region is also an expert in the trafficking of prescription drugs. Sgt Arseneault notes that these medications are safe when used under the direction of a physician but can be very dangerous when abused or used strictly as a means to get “high”. Medications like Oxycontin, Morphine and Dilaudid are very powerful drugs and illegal when not prescribed by a physician. Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act they are classified in the same category as heroin and cocaine.
Police take the illegal sale of drugs very seriously in Prince Rupert and again ask for the public’s assistance in all aspects of drug education and enforcement to work toward safer home and safer communities.
If you have any information or wish to get involved please contact the Pr. Rupert RCMP at 250-627-0700. If you wish to report a crime please call CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-8477.
