Eight Facing Charges Over Cocaine, Pot, Hash and Mushrooms

By Westcoaster.ca Staff Eight people, including a young offender, are facing drug-related charges following undercover police operations in the Tofino and Ucluelet areas between July 22 and July 27.

“The operation was successful in seizing cocaine, marijuana, hashish, psilocybin (commonly referred to as mushrooms) and cash,” said Cpl. Darren A. Lagan, of the Island District RCMP.

He said nine people were arrested.

Lagan said eight will appear in provincial court at a future date.

All have been released from custody.

Police did not release their identities.

However, seven of the eight come from the Tofino and Ucluelet areas, and one comes from Edmonton.

A 26-year-old Tofino has been charged with trafficking marijuana and possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

A 25-year-old Edmonton resident has been charged with trafficking marijuana, trafficking psilocybin and possession of psilocybin for the purpose of trafficking.

A 25-year-old Tofino resident has been charged with trafficking of marijuana.

A 23-year-old female Tofino resident has been charged with trafficking of marijuana twice and possession of marijuana for the purposes of trafficking.

A 16-year-old Tofino resident has been charged with trafficking of marijuana.

A 55-year-old Ucluelet male is facing a charge of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

A 25-year-old Ucluelet resident has been charged with trafficking cocaine twice.

A 45-year-old Ucluelet resident has been charged with trafficking cocaine and marijuana.

Lagan said the RCMP recently consulted with community leaders in the region, and during those consultations they learned the most common concern was the effects of drugs and alcohol on community members.

“In response to these concerns, Tofino and Ucluelet RCMP Detachments made combating the drug trade one of their main priorities for the year,” said Lagan.

He said Tofino and Ucluelet RCMP detachments developed a joint undercover drug operation, which involved several detachment members.

The RCMP’s Island District General Investigation Section  also lent assistance.