UPDATE: As a result of a preliminary ion scan conducted by the RCMP it has been determined that 1 kg of suspected heroin that was seized is actually 1 kg of fentanyl. The RCMP investigation is continuing and no further updates are available at this time.
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ORIGINAL STORY APPEARS BELOW...
A 23-year-old B.C. man is facing drug related charges after being arrested by members of the RCMP at the Tsawwassen ferry terminal.
Alphonse Bruce Gomien has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a controlled substance as a result of an investigation conducted by the RCMP Pacific Shiprider Program.
According to Sgt. Mike Fox, on Jan. 3, officers responded to the terminal where Gomien was attempting to board the ferry to Swartz Bay.
Fox said Gomien was found to be in possession of approximately three kg of cocaine, heroin and other unknown substances still to be determined.
“I can say that this was an on-going investigation for some time, so this was not a random arrest,” Fox told the Optimist, adding that Gomien is still in police custody awaiting details of his first court appearance.
The Pacific Shiprider Program is a federal government priority and one of the key mandates of 'E' Division Federal Serious & Organized Crime involving maritime based investigations. The Shiprider Program is responsible for maritime security and federal enforcement in the Pacific region.
