Kamloops gym, home, searched after drug arrest at traffic stop

After a Kamloops traffic stop Jan. 13, 2017 saw a man arrested for possession and trafficking of illicit drugs, Kamloops RCMP executed two search warrants: one at a Sahali home and another at a local gym.

In a release, police say entry into Heavy Metal Gym, at 145 Briar Ave., involved "distraction devices ... which created loud noises."

Police say three people were questioned and released, one male was arrested and two more people were detained "pending police investigation."

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"No shots were fired by police or anyone else during this incident, and no one was injured," Cpl. Jody Neuls said in a statement.

"Investigations into illicit drugs usually include components of organized crime. We are in the process of determining how this incident and the individuals involved are connected with criminal organizations."

Police would not say what drugs were seized at the traffic stop, gym or home, nor would they reveal quantities, but said following an analysis, more information would be released.

Police say no charges have been recommended as a result of the search warrants.

They say there is no ongoing threat to the public and the Heavy Metal Gym remains closed.

According to a listing of Kamloops business licenses, Heavy Metal Gym is owned by a person named Konaam Shirzad.

Online provincial court records say a person with that name has faced numerous charges since 2003 in B.C., including traffic offences, firearms offences and probation violations.

When asked if there was a connection to the Red Scorpions gang — co-founded by a man named Konaam Shirzad — Neuls would only say police are aware of criminal organizations operating in Kamloops and "previous connections."

"How they relate to this specific incident is still under investigation," she said.

With files from Courtney Dickson