Vancouver police caught two robbers red-handed after a break-and-enter on Tuesday, but not with the usual electronics or other pricey household goods.
When police went through the suspects' sports bags of loot, police found a total of 13.1 kg of cocaine, 1.6 kg of ecstasy and 795 grams of marijuana -- worth an estimated $500,000 street value -- and $1200 in cash.
Police were called to 2130 West 12th Avenue on Tuesday morning after a witness saw two people in dark-coloured clothing climbing up the side of the apartment building and into the second-floor balcony.
Within 10 minutes, police found the suspects exiting the rear of the building with sports bags and tools, including screwdrivers, a crow bar and a blow torch.
"Police thought they would get, you know, your regular CDs, TVs and iPods and things like that," Const. Tim Fanning said. "And they got a big surprise. These guys had gone in and had cleaned this place out."
The occupant of the apartment has not come forward, Fanning said, but will likely be facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
But the suspects are also facing some serious repercussions, he said -- by the owner of the drugs.
"This is a very dangerous business," Fanning said. "You're talking about ripping off other criminals for a half a million dollars worth of product. The people that have put all the money out for these drugs will be seeking compensation."
Herman Charles Bee, 32, and Pascale Steve Jean Lebel, 29, both Vancouver residents, have been charged with two counts of possession of break-in instruments. Bee has also been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, and Lebel has been charged with three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
