A rental vehicle that was abandoned in Cache Creek over the weekend of Jan. 15 has been examined by a specialized RCMP unit, and investigators believe that it was being used to transport equipment and supplies consistent with a fentanyl drug production operation.
On Jan. 19, Ashcroft RCMP were notified about a vehicle that had been abandoned outside a motel in Cache Creek. The vehicle, a rental truck, was impounded, and police carried out a search, during which they discovered hazardous materials and items believed to be consistent with the production of illicit drugs.
The RCMP Federal Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response (CLEAR) Team, based out of BC RCMP Headquarters in Surrey, was deployed to assist Ashcroft RCMP. The vehicle was examined by the CLEAR team, which specializes in the strategic dismantling of clandestine drug laboratories and processing the hazardous materials often found within.
“The full and safe examination of the abandoned rental moving truck has resulted in the seizure of high end equipment, large amounts of chemicals, precursors, and several firearms,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, spokesperson for the BC RCMP in the Southeast District. “Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the origins and eventual abandonment of the vehicle.”
A source tells the Journal that a man allegedly connected with the vehicle stayed at the motel over the weekend of Jan. 15 but departed suddenly on Jan. 19, leaving the vehicle — a U-Haul truck — behind.
“A total of five heavily corroded firearms with ammunition were seized by police,” says O’Donaghey.”Due to the degree of damage sustained by the exposure to the chemicals being transported in the rental vehicle, investigators believe they have seized two sawed-off shotguns and three rifles, including an AR15, a carbine C8, and an AK47.”
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Ashcroft RCMP at (250) 453-2216. If you wish to remain anonymous, Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
editorial@accjournal.caLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
