Drugs bound for Shambhala

Photo: Saanich Police

The 28-year-old driver of a truck and trailer heading to catch a Swartz Bay ferry, on the way to an electronic music festival in the West Kootenays, has been arrested with a large haul of illicit drugs.

Central Saanich police said the local resident was headed to the 22nd annual Shambhala music festival in Salmo, which runs today through Monday. Police are recommending charges of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking.

The man is the subject of a months-long investigation that has resulted in two prior arrests for alleged drug trafficking starting in February.

“He stayed active and we looked at him again in April and seized some more [drugs] and, hopefully, this was the last and he’s getting the message,” said Central Saanich police Deputy Chief Derren Lench.

The most recent search warrant, executed on Aug. 6, resulted in seizure of drugs believed to be cocaine, psilocybin (magic mushrooms), methamphetamine, LSD, Xanax and other pharmaceuticals, police said.

Scales, drug packaging, and about $1,500 in cash were also seized.

“We wanted to intercept him in advance of that [Shambhala] and stop him and his truck and trailer and seize all these drugs that were obviously en route to that festival.”

The Shambhala Music Festival was voted in DJ Mag as the best music festival in North America this year, ahead of Coachella. The festival’s website says it is alcohol-free and that matters involving illegal substances will be turned over to the RCMP.

Shambhala festival founder Jimmy Bundschuh said in an email: “We do not condone the use of illicit substances at our festival.

“Drugs are not just a problem for music festivals but for our society as whole,” said Bundschuh. “Our security team conducts searches and investigations of incoming vehicles to seize any illegal substances.”