More than a dozen drug and firearms charges laid against 2 Nanaimo residents

An RCMP epaulette is seen in Edmonton, Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Jason Franson / The Canadian Press) (JASON FRANSON)

Numerous charges have been laid against two people after a months-long drug trafficking investigation in Nanaimo, RCMP say.

Police began looking into a home they believed to be part of the drug trade in November 2024 and executed a search warrant there on April 17 of this year, Nanaimo RCMP said in a news release Tuesday.

During the search, investigators found 52 grams of fentanyl, 25 grams of cocaine, 30 grams of methamphetamine and “213 illicit pills,” according to the release. They also found two guns—described in the release as “a Ruger carbine” and “a Norinco Chinese shotgun”—and “hard body armour.”

“The Ruger was identified as previously being stolen during a break and enter in Port Alberni,” police said.

Charges were laid in the case on Dec. 8. Police said 44-year-old Nanaimo resident Norman Miller was charged with careless use of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession contrary to an order, possession of property obtained by crime and five counts of possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking.

Additionally, 42-year-old Nanaimo resident Carlene Sneddon was charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possession contrary to an order, police said.

Online court records associated with the police file list a total of 18 charges against either Miller, Sneddon or both. Eight of those are related to drug trafficking, while the rest are firearms-related.

Miller and Sneddon remain in custody, according to court records. Miller’s next appearance is scheduled for Wednesday in Port Alberni provincial court, while Sneddon’s next appearance is scheduled for Dec. 22.