BUST WILL ONLY SLOW DRUG TRADE

A Thursday evening drug bust may have put a big dent in the drug
supply but police concede it's only for the short term.

"If we close one they'll attempt to open another in the very near
future," said Nanaimo RCMP spokeswoman Const. Jen Allan. "It's the
reality of the drug world."

Nanaimo RCMP's municipal drug unit, backed by the South Island
Emergency Response Team, stormed into the front door and smashed
through windows at a rental home in the 400-block of Wakesiah Avenue
around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Several marked and undercover police cars swarmed the neighbourhood
that has attracted "seedy individuals" for months, Allan said.

Though police say a "significant" amount of drugs were confiscated
from the home, they're touting the raid as a small victory.

"We take it one drug house at a time," Allan said. "Drug houses are a
reality in a large urban centre."

Three men, aged 17, 21 and 30, were arrested at the home and face
multiple charges of trafficking a controlled substance.

Two of the men were taken away on stretchers. One said he suffers
from a panic disorder, Allan said, noting he stayed at Nanaimo
Regional General Hospital overnight Thursday and

Friday afternoon.

Another suspect tried to escape through a broken window and had to be
treated with cuts to his face and hands.

The two primary renters were not home during the raid but Allan said
a man in his 20s turned himself in to police Friday morning.

A warrant is being sought for the second man, she said.

Police say they found powder and crack cocaine, crystal meth, more
than 100 ecstasy tablets and several ounces of marijuana.

About $4,000 cash, two money counters and a large cache of stolen
property, including a motorcycle that had been stolen Wednesday in
Nanaimo, was also seized.

Weapons found included a replica handgun, pepper spray and knives, police said.

Charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for
the purpose of trafficking are [Name Redacted], 31, and [Name
Redacted], 35. Charged with five counts of possession of a controlled
substance for the puprose of trafficking and production of a
controlled substance are [Name Redacted], 20, [Name Redacted], 30,
and [Name Redacted] 25.

[Name Redacted] is also charged with possession of a prohibited
weapon without a licence. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of
[Name Redacted].