REVELSTOKE – The RCMP Trans-Canada East Traffic Services unit arrested two people and seized 19.5 kilos (43 pounds) of marijuana at Rogers Pass on Friday after they stopped two vehicles they allege were working together to transport the drugs.
The incident happened at about 11 p.m. Pacific time on Friday, June 3.
Sgt. Mike Pears of the Golden RCMP says two officers from the Trans-Canada East Traffic Services unit were doing speed enforcement at Rogers Pass. One member was from Revelstoke, the other from Golden.
The incident originated when the pair stopped a vehicle for speeding. Pears says an investigation of the first vehicle led police to believe it was part of an eastbound drug shipment convoy.
They subsequently stopped a second vehicle and located the marijuana inside.
Charges are being recommended against two Okanagan-area men. The driver of the first vehicle is charged with Motor Vehicle Act offences and obstruction. The second man is facing charges of possession for the purposes of trafficking.
Pears said the shipment originated in the Okanagan area, but didn't comment on its destination.
Pears said one of the men is known to police while the other isn't. RCMP are not releasing names of either individuals until formal court documents are filed. Both men have since been released from custody.
Pears said the investigation originated with the traffic stop. "If you're going to break the law in that fashion and transport illegal cargo in that type ... you probably want to do things like observe the speed limit," Pears commented. "I am glad we got that stuff off the street."