Prince George RCMP's downtown safety unit put a dent in street-level drug trafficking this month.
On April 14, the unit responded to a call from someone who witnessed open drug use in the 1400-block of 9th Avenue and came across three people known to officers.
When they saw a hand-to-hand transaction, they moved in and arrested the trio. A subsequent search scales, containers, a phone, and a quantity of suspected fentanyl, valued at $3,500.
Three days later, while patrolling in an unmarked vehicle, officers arrested two people after spotting a hand-to-hand transaction at First Avenue and George Street.
$300 of suspected fentanyl was seized.
Then, on April 24, unit members pulled over a vehicle for a driving infraction at First and George.
The driver and passengers began to argue with police, who in turn arrested them for obstructing a peace officer.
A search of the vehicle unveiled quantities of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine, valued at $3,500, along with more than $1,500 cash, a replica firearm, pepper spray and a phone.
One of the arrestees was among those apprehended on April 14, RCMP added.
Fentanyl is considered particularly dangerous, RCMP said. because it is up to 100 times more potent than morphine and its effects can be unpredictable.
"Users have no idea the level of purity or the potency of what they take. When mixed with antidepressants, fentanyl is potentially lethal," RCMP said.
All those arrested were release pending further investigation and charge approval.
RCMP urged the public to continue to notify the detachment of suspicious activity by calling 250-561-3300. Tips can also be provided anonymously through Northern B.C. Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca.
