A 30-year-old man is being held on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession for the purposes of trafficking and obstruction after Sidney North Saanich RCMP found a quantity of GHB in his vehicle last week.
On April 21, RCMP responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle at the Victoria Airport, and located a green Toyota car and two occupants. As a result of the initial investigation, they arrested the man, Derek Fast, and a 30-year-old woman for theft and obstruction.
On searching the vehicle, RCMP found two pop bottles full of GHB, a controlled substance commonly used as a depressant and intoxicant, and also known as the ‘date rape’ drug.
Fast, of no fixed address, is being held until his next court appearance in May.
The woman is from the south Island and was already on non-custodial release conditions relating to other charges. She was released on charges of possession of a controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking, and of failing to comply with a recognizance.
Police are cautioning the public that GHB is a colourless, odourless liquid readily used as an intoxicant that can incapacitate its users and sometimes cause death.
“We want to make sure people are aware not to leave their drinks unattended,” said Cpl. Erin Fraser. “Make sure that you’re with people that you know, and get a ride home with someone you trust.
“And if you’re experiencing symptoms beyond what you’ve consumed, and you think you’re getting too drunk too fast, make sure you get checked out and are not left alone.”