Two semi-truck drivers arrested, DLs seized, after being found with suspected heroin in Hope: RCMP

HOPE – Police in Hope say two commercial truck drivers were arrested recently and had their commercial driving licenses seized after RCMP officers located both individuals with suspected heroin in their possession.

According to a bi-weekly recap from Hope RCMP spokesperson Corporal Carmen Kiener for Sept. 28-Oct. 11, a concerned citizen reported observing the driver of a semi-truck on Flood Hope Road consuming drugs.

Responding officers located the vehicle and spoke with a man who identified himself as the driver. Corporal Kiener says the man consented to a search of his backpack by police which resulted in suspected heroin being located. The man was subsequently arrested for drug possession. He told officers it was actually his passenger who had been consuming drugs.

Police say a further search of the truck located more suspected heroin along with open liquor and unstamped tobacco.

As the investigation continued, Corporal Kiener says a second man approached police and identified himself as the owner and passenger of the truck. She says the man was also arrested and a search of his person located more suspected heroin.

To ensure public safety, both men were issued 24-hour driving prohibitions due to concerns surrounding drug impairment, their driver’s licences were seized, and the commercial vehicle was secured at the scene, Cpl. Kiener said.

The investigation remains ongoing and is subject to charge assessment by the BC Prosecution Service, Cpl. Kiener said.