The Merritt RCMP executed 3 different search warrants on Friday night at suspected drug houses, taking illegal guns and drugs off the streets.
On June 3, 2022, the Merritt RCMP General Investigation Section, with assistance from Merritt Front Line Officers executed two search warrants simultaneously at residences in the 1800 block of Orme Street for drug trafficking. Multiple people were detained. Police located suspected fentanyl, drug packaging and scales inside the residences.
Shortly afterwards police gained new information of a third location believed to be connected to the residences on Orme Street. They obtained a third search warrant and executed it at a residence in the 2100 block of Priest Avenue. A local Merritt man, Mr. Tyler James Collins, was located and arrested inside. Upon search of the residence Officers found loaded semi-automatic rifles, prohibited magazines, body armour, suspected fentanyl, large amounts of cash and stolen property.
“Our officers worked very hard to take these drugs and guns off the streets”, says Sgt. Josh Roda. “This seizure will cause a significant disruption to the local drug trade in Merritt”.
Mr. Collins has been charged with twelve offences, including Forcible Confinement, Pointing a Firearm, Uttering Threats, Robbery and Possession of a Firearm while Prohibited. He is set to appear in Court on June 8, 2022.