They may still use old fashioned police work, but Salmon Arm RCMP were able to arrest a suspected drug dealer after contacting him via text messaging.
The accused was suspected of operating a dial-a-dope operation, in which he used an unsubscribed cell phone to arrange meeting places to sell drugs.
"Using investigational means, police secured this telephone number and placed an order for drugs," said Staff Sgt. Kevin Keane of the Salmon Arm RCMP detachment.
On Feb. 17, a plain-clothed officer met the man near 10th Street on Okanagan Ave. At the time of his arrest, the man was found in possession of heroin, methamphetamine, approximately $1,700 in small denomination bills and a cell phone. The phone contained the text messages sent by police placing the drug order.
Jermaine Davis, 25, of Toronto has been arrested and will appear in Vernon Provincial Court today, Thursday, Feb. 19. He was found to have a lengthy criminal history, with outstanding arrest warrants from Ontario including carrying a concealed weapon, assault with a weapon and several bail violations.