RCMP: Search of Grand Forks home yields prescription drugs
By Boundary Sentinel
Prescription drugs including morphine, oxycodone, and ativan were among the drugs seized at a residence in Grand Forks during the execution of a search warrant. The warrant, issued under the provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, was initiated in response to complaints and tips from the public.
On Feb. 19 members of the Grand Forks and Midway detachments of the RCMP entered the home, located on 6 Street near Central Ave., securing a number of prescription drugs. The morphine, normally an oral pill form, had in many cases been modified to be injected, explained Const. Harland Venema. A number of empty prescription bottles with labels removed were documented.
Other items seized in the search suggested the residence was being used as an informal needle exchange. A large stock pile of cases of syringes, saline solution, alcohol swabs and rubber arm bands were located inside the residence. A sharps / biohazard container was also located near the back door along with a readily available supply of syringes. A number of pamphlets on safe methods of injecting and smoking methamphetamine and cocaine were located inside the residence. This offence-related property however was not seized.
Prescription drugs that were located inside the residence appeared to be possessed for a lawful purpose, including morphine in a form and quantity that suggests it was being consumed in accordance with a doctor’s advice were not seized, Venema added.
Due to the complex nature of this investigation, the results will be documented and forwarded to the Federal Crown Consel to assist in determining what charges may be appropriate.
No information on arrests or warrants was provided at this time.
