A family of alleged drug dealers living next door to Howe Sound Secondary School are awaiting a court appearance after being caught in the act, announced the RCMP today.
Young teenagers were among those alleged to have bought drugs from a 17-year-old and his parents living in the building on Buckley Avenue and Carson Place, in close proximity to the Squamish Youth Centre and Skateboard Park.
"We were successful last night [April 15] in taking a mother, father and son down with quite a bit of drugs and paraphernalia in the act of selling drugs," said Cpl. Dave Ritchie on Friday (April 16).
For several months, the residence above the Quiapo Market became suspicious with an obviously heightened level of activity, attracting the attention of RCMP members, and the Sea to Sky Regional Police services general investigation section noticed.
"During hours of surveillance, police observed young teenagers coming and going from the residence," states an RCMP news release. "It was obvious from the activity observed that these students and several youth from the community were attending the residence for the sole purpose of purchasing drugs."
The RCMP involved some students, parents and school officials in its investigation and on April 15 executed a search of the residence under the controlled drugs and substances act.
The search also involved the First Nation Policing Unit and Lower Mainland Police Dog Services, according to the release.
During the search, police located and seized marijuana and psilocybin also known as mushrooms which were allegedly packaged for sale. They also found drug paraphernalia and money and other evidence consistent with drug trafficking, according to the release.
The family of three was arrested and were held in custody while the search was conducted. They were later interviewed and released on conditions. They will all be required to appear in court on June 30 to answer to charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
