At 11 p.m. last Friday, Smithers RCMP officers with the assistance of Terrace RCMP Police Dog Services executed a controlled drugs and substances act search warrant at a single family residence in Smithers.
Police said they seized various amounts of suspected crack cocaine, marijuana, psilocybin (mushrooms) and hash. The search also revealed a loaded firearm, a prohibited weapon and a large quantity of cash.
Six individuals were arrested. A 48-year-old Smithers male remained in police custody on the weekend awaiting a bail hearing. Police are recommending several charges under the Criminal Code, as well as the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Unless released by a Judicial Justice of the Peace, the accused was scheduled to appear in Smithers Provincial Court on Monday, Nov. 7.
Aside from the criminal aspect, the police would like to remind citizens of the health dangers of substance abuse. Fentanyl, a synthetic narcotic, is now present in many street level drugs for sale in B.C. Fentanyl is a highly dangerous substance; extremely small quantities, as little as two milligrams, are lethal. Police remind the public that individuals who manufacture drugs are not chemists, nor known for their quality control in either the manufacturing or distribution process. The wrong dose or cross contamination often result in death.
"More than ever, individuals who elect to use drugs are rolling the dice," read the Smithers RCMP release.
Police officers are being equipped with Naloxone (narcan), an opioid antagonist, which will reverse the effects of fentanyl if given in time. It is administered with a nasal spray.