Nanaimo RCMP seize more than $180,000 worth of drugs in big bust

http://www.ctvvancouverisland.ca http://www.facebook.com/ctvvi NANAIMO - A 30-year-old Nanaimo man with ties to the Red Scorpions was arrested last night after Nanaimo RCMP searched his home and car seizing more $21,000 dollars in cash, a large quantity of drugs and a loaded handgun. On Thursday around 8 p.m. the suspect was arrested by Nanaimo RCMP, while he sat in his car in the parking lot at 4720 Uplands Drive. During the arrest the man was extremely confrontational and assaulted an officer. RCMP executed a search warrant at his apartment and found more drugs and weapons. "In the home they found another $18,000, 1,300 grams of cocaine, 170 grams of heroin and 300 grams of methamphetamine," said Nanaimo RCMP Officer Gary O'Brien. RCMP say man has close ties to the Red Scorpions, an organized crime group that are actively involved in the street level drug trade in Nanaimo and other locations on Vancouver Island. "Due to this individuals alleged ties to organized crime, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) was instrumental in the success of this investigation as their expertise and knowledge of organized crime groups was key in moving this investigation forward," said O'Brien. The man was held in custody and released the next day on a promise to appear for court on February 26th. RCMP say the investigation is not over. Follow Jett Bassi on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CTVNewsJett