ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOP THAT LED TO DRUG AND CASH SEIZURE RULED LEGAL BY COURTS

A B.C. Supreme Court judge ruled that a Kelowna man's rights were not
violated when he was pulled over by police for a routine traffic check
and later found to be carrying cocaine and cash.

After Robert Metzger ruled on the admissibility of police evidence, he
convicted Matthew Arnott of possession for the purpose of trafficking
and simple possession.

What made this case different was the amount: He had five kilograms of
cocaine and $22,000 cash.

Arnott was driving with his girlfriend two years ago when police
stopped him on suspicion of impaired driving. He had no licence and
wasn't the registered driver so police decided to tow the vehicle.
While inventorying the contents of the vehicle, they came across a bag
containing the cocaine and cash.

The Crown will apply to have the cash forfeited as proceeds of crime.

He will be sentenced Sept. 13.