A Castlegar man is facing new drug trafficking charges, while awaiting sentencing for similar charges.
On Nov. 10, Castlegar RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in the 2600 block of 5th Avenue of Castlegar and discovered over a kilogram of suspected cocaine, over half a kilogram of suspected amphetamine, psilocybin, items consistent with the trafficking of illicit drugs and Canadian currency, according to a Nov. 14 media release from the RCMP.
Police say the search warrant was obtained to further the investigation into the trafficking of a controlled substance.
Three occupants, two men and a woman, were taken into police custody without incident.
One of the men, 38-year-old Andrew Cancela, was awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to two separate drug trafficking charges last year.
The other man and the woman were released from police custody, but Cancela was transported back to the Castlegar RCMP Detachment.
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada has formally charged Cancela with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and failing to comply with a release order.
In 2021 police executed a search warrant at his residence which resulted in the seizure of cocaine and over $78,000 in Canadian currency and in 2020 police seized cocaine from Cancela after a traffic stop.
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For these charges Cancela had been released and bound by conditions while awaiting sentencing which was scheduled for Jan. 11, 2023.
Cancela appeared in court Nov. 11 and was held in custody to next appear Nov. 16.
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