Explosives, guns and drugs

Photo: RCMP

Police in Vernon have seized a cache of explosives, weapons, drugs and stolen property. Two men have been arrested.

On April 8, officers stopped a vehicle after recognizing a passenger who was wanted on outstanding warrants.

Both the passenger and driver attempted to flee on foot but were grabbed after a short chase.

After a loaded .22 semi-automatic pistol was found during a search, investigators obtained a search warrant for a storage locker recently visited by the two men.

There, investigators discovered:

• one additional handgun, two sawed off shot guns, three semi-automatic assault rifles and assorted ammunition
• a large quantity of heroin and other drug trafficking paraphernalia
• numerous stolen automotive parts valued at over $11,000 stolen during commercial break and enters in Vernon earlier this year
• camera equipment valued at over $10,000 stolen during a residential break and enter in Penticton earlier this year

During the search investigators also located a small amount of explosives in the form of dynamite sticks and had to suspend the search until the RCMP explosives disposal unit could attend and secure the items to ensure everyone's safety, police said.

“This seizure will have a significant impact on public safety and is another example of the detachment's commitment to reducing crime in Vernon,” said Sgt. David Evans of Vernon's targeted policing unit.

Both men are being held in custody until their next court appearance on Apr. 26.

Taras Becker, 28, of the Lower Mainland, is facing a number of firearms charges.

John Ross, 25, of Vernon, is being held on outstanding warrants and faces new charges related to flight from police and breach of current court imposed conditions.

Investigators expect the two men will face further charges over firearms, explosives, drugs and stolen property offences.