By Dominic Abassi

More than 70 stolen bikes found in two drug house busts

Jun 13, 2016 | 5:25 PM

Nanaimo RCMP are calling it one of the larger seizures of stolen property.

Const. Gary O’Brien says two homes were raided on Thursday, June 9th, one on Lambert Avenue and one on Albert Street.

“We found dozens of stolen bikes, many were disassembled. Also found were electronics, projectors, some diving equipment,” said O’Brien. At least seven dozen bikes were found, said O’Brien.

“We also know for a fact that some of the material found were from local schools that have recently had a rash of break and enters.”

O’Brien says 18 people were initially held, however five men and one woman ended up being arrested and are facing charges.

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He says houses like this are used as a holding centre, where criminals drop off their stolen goods in exchange for drugs.

“These are not normal residences where people are maintaining them, they’re a spot where people go to do drugs, sell drugs or exchange stolen property for drugs.”

Busting them is significant, according to O’Brien.

“It puts the criminals involved in this type of activity on notice that it will not be tolerated. People have a right to have their property and these types of houses have to be shut down and we do so as soon as we can lawfully enter them.”

The accused, ranging in age from 21 to 56, will appear in court in late August.