A man suspected of drug trafficking throughout Greater Victoria was arrested and released last month after an investigation by VicPD’s Strike Force unit found a locker full of drugs and potentially stolen goods.
During the investigation, police say the suspect repeatedly visited a Sooke storage locker. Armed with a warrant, officers searched the locker and located various illicit substances, including 4,054 suspected oxycodone pills, 554 grams of cocaine, and 136 grams of methamphetamine. They also found $48,000 worth of brand-new merchandise believed to be stolen, including 10 vacuums, five Kitchen Aid Mixers; a Milwaukee miter saw, chainsaws, drills, a metal detector and various other tools, clothing, and accessories
A suspect was arrested on March 14 and released pending further investigation.
Last year, VicPD began an operation dubbed Project Lifter, created in response to concerns raised by the community and businesses to crackdown on violent retail theft offenders. Over two weekends, 43 arrests were made and close to $40,000 in stolen merchandise was returned.
READ ALSO: Victoria police recover over $29,000 in stolen items in 8 days