A months-long RCMP investigation has led to a substantial drug seizure in the Comox Valley and Oceanside area.

A community member reported a suspicious vehicle, and from that tip officers launched surveillance, information gathering, and later multiple search warrants.

The Comox Valley RCMP Street Crimes Unit worked alongside the Island District Emergency Response Team throughout the operation.

Police seized more than 430 separate pieces of evidence including cash, weapons, phones, and a significant quantity of controlled substances.

The items recovered include more than 27-thousand dollars in Canadian currency, over one-point-six kilograms of fentanyl, more than two kilograms of cocaine, two-point-six kilograms of methamphetamine, more than ten grams of MDMA, eight ounces of ketamine, multiple bottles of GHB, and several fentanyl patches.

Buffing agents, brass knuckles, scales used for drug trafficking, and notebooks believed to be linked to the operation were also seized.

“Most of the fentanyl seized in this investigation also contained a benzodiazepine, an anti-anxiety medication” said Constable Paul Jones, a BC Provincial and Supreme Court recognized drug expert and member of the Comox Valley RCMP Street Crimes Unit.

“This combination is particularly hazardous, with each drug exacerbating the respiratory depression caused by the other, resulting in an increased risk of death. Moreover, the opioid antagonist naloxone (Narcan) is ineffective if a drug user experiencing a benzodiazepine overdose.”

The investigation also uncovered several grams of carfentanil, which is considered far more toxic than fentanyl and is typically used for tranquilizing large animals.

RCMP say the seizure represents tens of thousands of potential doses of illegal drugs that will now never reach the street.

The investigation remains active and is moving forward through the courts. No further details are being released at this time.

Anyone with information related to drug trafficking or other criminal activity in the Comox Valley is encouraged to contact the Comox Valley RCMP at 250-338-1321.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).