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Two arrested during search in Creston
On January 21, at approximately 11 a.m., Creston RCMP Officers executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Search Warrant at a residence in the 200 Block of 16th Avenue North in the Town of Creston.
Recent observations by local officers produced evidence of drug trafficking related to the location.
Police surveillance efforts noted that alleged drug transactions were taking place in the immediate areas surrounding the Creston Valley Hospital and Kootenay River Secondary School, often near gatherings of youth.
This drug trafficking was prioritized as requiring urgent suppression and intervention by police. After a brief period of evidence gathering, officers applied for and were granted a Search Warrant.
A plan was developed that prioritized the safety of local area residents, while ensuring a smooth and tactical execution of the warrant by Officers. During this execution, 16th Avenue North was closed for a brief period for safety reasons. A heavy police presence would have been observed in the area.
During the execution of the warrant a 69-year-old male from Creston and a 37-year-old female from Saskatchewan, were arrested without incident.
The male has been the subject of previous arrests for drug trafficking and the female also has a criminal history. Both have since been released pending further court appearances. Illicit drugs, cash and evidence indicative of drug trafficking were recovered during the execution of the warrant.
Following the search, municipal partners were engaged to address the apparent health and safety issues associated with the poor condition of the residence. With cooperation from the property owner, the residence has now been boarded up and is not to be further occupied.
“I remain impressed and very proud of the commitment shown by my officers within the Creston Valley. Their keen observations and passion toward disrupting the efforts of drug traffickers in the area, is admirable. These types of investigations, especially in a smaller detachment, require flexibility outside an officer’s regular shifts,” said S/Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk, Creston RCMP Detachment commander.
“This often pulls them from their family time and requires sustained durations of work. For their efforts, and the support of their loved ones, I am very grateful. The direct result of these efforts over the past 36 months has led to one of the most significant reductions in Creston’s Crime Severity Index (CSI) in relation to the rest of the province. We are also very thankful for the continued support from the good people of this valley, and that of our community partners.”
Creston RCMP continue to appreciate the public’s willingness to speak out against these activities when observed or suspected. Anyone with information that could lead to the suppression, intervention or prosecution of illicit drug traffickers in the valley, are encouraged to reach out the Creston RCMP at (250) 428-9313.
Creston rCMP file photo
Creston RCMP
