A year-long investigation led Squamish RCMP to a home in Lions Bay last week, where officers uncovered a trove of suspected drugs, lab equipment, cash and vehicles.
Led by the Sea to Sky RCMP General Investigation Section, the investigation culminated in a search warrant executed at a home on Upper Bayview Road. Along with suspected drugs, paraphernalia, and lab equipment, police seized "a significant quantity of evidence they believe to be connected to the 'proceeds of crime,' including cash and vehicles," a release said. Two individuals at the residence were initially taken into custody before being released.
"Our team is focused on public safety and in this particular investigation, we had concerns about organic solvent extractions from Cannabis Marihuana plant materials, and the trafficking of these highly potent Marihuana Products," said Sgt. Jeff Shore in the release. "The process of producing marihuana extracts is highly dangerous, even in controlled environments. These extractions can place the producer, neighbours and first responders at extreme risk."
Anyone with information that is relevant to the investigation is asked to contact the Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100 or Sea to Sky Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN STRING OF 'DISTRACTION THEFTS,' POLICE SAY
Last week, Whistler police arrested three suspects linked to a pair of thefts from local retail shops-and believe two of the suspects may be responsible for other prior thefts in the resort.
At about 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 5, Whistler RCMP was alerted to a theft from a store in the 4200 block of Mountain Square. According to a release, a female suspect successfully distracted one of the store's employees while another female "went in the back room and stole the employee's wallet."
While police were investigating that incident, another "distraction theft" involving two female suspects was reported from a store in the 4300 block of Main Street. After attending the second store, the alleged victim discovered that her credit card was being used at a local ATM. Police immediately attended the ATM and noticed a male and two females enter a vehicle and drive away, according to the release. Officers stopped the vehicle shortly after and arrested a 48-year-old Langley man, and two Burnaby women, aged 43 and 49.
Inside the vehicle, police located evidence related to the reported thefts, as well as suspected illicit drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Investigators believe that the two female suspects are associated with other distraction thefts in the resort from May of this year.
"Whistler RCMP (is) asking the public and local business to ensure your personal belongings are secure and out of view from potential thieves while you are working and if you think you or your business has been the victim of a distraction theft to please contact the Whistler RCMP," the release states. The local detachment can be reached at 604-932-3044.
TWO AIRLIFTED TO HOSPITAL AFTER VEHICLE ROLLOVER IN PEMBERTON
Two people were injured this week after a single vehicle rollover in Pemberton, police said.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 8, Pemberton RCMP was notified of the crash in the 9000 block of Pemberton Meadows Road. Investigators said it appears that a black Ford F-250 was travelling southbound when "it veered off into the ditch, which caused the vehicle to roll over completely before coming to rest on its wheels again," according to a release.
The vehicle was severely damaged in the crash, police said, its two occupants were airlifted to hospital for treatment.
Police continue to investigate the accident, and are asking any witnesses to contact Pemberton RCMP at 604-894-6634 or Sea to Sky Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to remain anonymous.
