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Saanich police briefs

Drug house busted; stolen laptop recovered fast; double robbery for party store

Vigilant neighbours tip police to drug house

A 38-year-old Saanich man faces drug trafficking charges after a "significant" surveillance operation at a Saanich home last week.

The investigation stemmed from numerous complaints received from neighbours in the 100-block of Lurline Ave. who believed there was a possible drug house on their street.

On July 12, Saanich police street crimes unit officers noted heavy foot and vehicle traffic coming to and from the residence.

While surveilling the property, they observed a drug deal, and arrested both the trafficker and purchaser. A small amount of cocaine was the item of purchase.

A search warrant was executed on the home early July 13, and a small amount of cocaine and heroin were found inside.

"Despite the fact this might not be a kingpin trafficker, you can see the disruption this has on a neighbourhood," said Sgt. Dean Jantzen.

He said there are telltale signs there may be a drug house in your neighbourhood, such as people coming and going all hours of the day and night.

Charges of trafficking and possession for the purposes of trafficking have been forwarded against the Saanich man. No charges have been forwarded against the purchaser.

Police return stolen laptop before owner realizes it was missing

A report of a man shaking on the ground ended up turning into the successful return of an expensive stolen laptop last week.

Saanich police were called to the corner of Agnes and Raymond streets around 7 a.m. on July 12 by a witness who reported seeing the man on the ground.

Police arrived to find the man waking up. They suspected he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Officers spotted a MacBook Pro stuffed inside the man's open backpack.

They queried the man, who claimed he purchased the laptop for $75, but upon further questioning, officers determined he was lying.

An officer switched on the computer and found a document on the desktop, which included the address of the business.

Police brought the computer to the nearby business, based out of a Saanich home, and returned the laptop to its rightful owner. The owner said he hadn't even realized his home-based business had been broken into overnight.

The suspect, a 30-year-old man with no fixed address, faces one count of break and enter.

Party supply store targeted by thief twice in two weeks

A party pooper has twice broken in to a party supply store in the 3900-block of Quadra St. over two consecutive weekends, stealing money from the cash register in both instances.

Saanich police believe the store was easily entered as there is a gap between the door and the door jam, allowing for a pry bar-type tool to force the door open.

It is believed both incidents happened in the overnight hours between July 7 and 8, and July 14 and 15. Roughly $200 in cash was taken in both break-ins.

"It is a good reminder for local business owners, and homeowners, to review your security procedures," said Sgt. Dean Jantzen.

Police are asking anyone with information on either of these break-ins to contact them at 250-475-4321.

kslavin@saanichnews.com