Suspects traded street drugs for safer supply outside B.C. pharmacy, police say
Prince George RCMP say after multiple days of investigation, including surveillance outside one of the city’s pharmacies, officers arrested two people who had been offering illicit drugs in exchange for safer supply opioids.
Cpl. Jennifer Cooper said searches of the suspects uncovered "safer supply that was obviously not theirs on their person."
“A search warrant that was conducted subsequent to these arrests at the home of one of these people also located more diverted safer supply inside the residence, as well as evidence of drugs trafficking,” said Cooper.
When asked if the arrests gave him reason for concern about B.C.’s safer supply program, Premier David Eby pivoted to thanking the police.
“I am certainly grateful for the RCMP’s work on this, and continue to encourage them to investigate and address issues of diversion of prescription drugs of any kind, including prescribed alternatives,” said Eby.
Elenore Sturko, the BC United critic for mental health and addiction, said she’s not surprised drug dealers are exploiting safer supply users.
“Someone comes out of a pharmacy with their prescribed safe supply, and is met head on with a drug dealer offering them illicit drugs in exchange for those drugs to be then distributed into the community. It’s pretty evident this is exactly how this problem has become a problem in B.C.,” said Sturko, who is pushing the government to change to a witnessed safer supply program, where drugs are taken by the user on the spot, at the location the medication is handed out.
“Because when someone is taking the medication witnessed, it really cuts down their opportunity to then take that medication and exchange it for an illicit substance with a drug dealer,” said Sturko.
The two Prince George suspects arrested outside the pharmacy, who are known to police for similar drug trafficking offences, have been released from custody pending charges and further investigation.
“We do want to find out just how many places are being targeted for their safer supply. As patrons are coming out of the pharmacies, how many of them have drug dealers that are waiting to make exchanges for those medications,” said Cooper. “We want to find out where safer supply is going.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Out-of-control wildfire prompts evacuation alert for Fort McMurray, Saprae Creek Estates Friday night
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Bouchard lifts Edmonton Oilers to 4-3 overtime win over Canucks in Game 2
Evan Bouchard scored 5:38 into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers bounced back for a 4-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs on Friday.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.