A Nanaimo man, who police describe as a prolific offender and wanted on several outstanding warrants, was arrested on the weekend.
Julien Lawrence Potvin, 27, was arrested with three other people near Bowen and Morey roads at about midnight Friday after Nanaimo RCMP Street Crimes Unit members saw an alleged drug transaction in a vehicle in which Potvin was a passenger.
When police tried to stop the vehicle its driver attempted to speed away. Instead the car stalled and came to a sudden halt, allowing officers to quickly arrest its occupants and one pedestrian.
Police searched Potvin and seized a number of items, including a 20-centimetre-long folding knife, brass knuckles, a small baggie of suspected heroin and $2,000 in Canadian cash. A black backpack at Potvin’s feet also contained 28 grams of suspected methamphetamine/heroin/fentanyl, scales and other drug paraphernalia.
A further search of the vehicle added two cans of bear spray, two folding knives and a machete to the seized items inventory.
Potvin faces multiple drug and weapons charges and is being held in custody until his next court appearance Tuesday (Aug. 9).
The 30-year-old driver of the vehicle was arrested on driving and weapons charges and later released on a promise to appear in Nanaimo provincial court Sept. 27.
The 20-year-old female pedestrian was arrested for obstruction and uttering threats and is also free on a promise to appear in Nanaimo provincial court Sept. 27.
No charges were recommended against a 24-year-old male passenger who was released from custody.