Merritt RCMP seized about $4,000 worth of crack and marijuana, and $6,000 cash after entering a premises on the 2200 block of Quilchena Avenue, they announced Friday.
A neighbour called the police after being concerned for the safety of the child at the home on Saturday, Sept. 8.
“The child didn’t live at that residence,” Merritt RCMP Const. Tracy Dunsmore said. “The parents went out and left the child with a family member who happened to live at that residence.”
Police entered the home because of the safety concerns, at which time they noticed the cash and drugs. Charges weren’t laid.
“They went in not looking for drugs,” she said. “They just opted to seize that because they weren’t in there with a warrant for drugs.”
She said RCMP can charge if they happen upon another illegal activity when entering a premises, but officers use their discretion.
“Usually if you’re not in there for that matter, but you stumble upon something, what you would have to do is stop the investigation and backtack,” she explained. “That might involve arresting everybody, going back and getting a warrant and going in and searching based on what you saw.
“Sometimes members look at the picture and think ‘Is it worth four hours doing this, considering what the outcome would be?'”
Youth with sword
Local police arrested a 16-year-old drunk Merritt resident after he allegedly wielded a foot-and-a-half-long sword in a fight on Wednesday, Sept. 19 at approximately 10:30 p.m.
“It was believed to have been used in threats, but no one was injured or charged,” Dunsmore said.
The fight took place on the 2200 block of Coutlee Avenue.
The teen was arrested and charged for possessing a weapon used for dangerous purposes.
Police held the teenager in custody until he sobered up. He was released to his mother.
Police confiscated the sword.
People are allowed to own swords, but not use them to threaten or hurt people.
