News release

Man arrested by officers conducting marine border patrols off Esquimalt

September 16, 2025 - Federal Policing Pacific Region - Esquimalt, British Columbia
From: British Columbia RCMP

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2025-1052

A man has been arrested for being in possession of stolen fishing equipment and an outboard motor.

On September 4, 2025, members of the RCMP Marine Border Enforcement Team (MBET) with Federal Policing – Pacific Region (FPPR), were conducting binational patrols with the United States Coast Guard Station, Port Angeles, when they initiated a vessel check while patrolling in Fleming Bay.

While speaking with the lone occupant of the vessel, officers observed a distinctive high-end fishing reel reported stolen, along with an outboard motor believed to be stolen but not yet reported to police.

The male was arrested for possession of stolen property and with assistance from the Oak Bay Police Department, the vessel was searched and officers recovered approximately $7000.00 in high-end fishing equipment plus the additional stolen outboard motor.

The 37-year-old male from Victoria was released on conditions and he is scheduled to appear in court on September 30, 2025.

“This multijurisdictional investigation highlights the strong partnerships between the RCMP, United States Coast Guard, Oak Bay Police Department, and the maritime community. These collaborative efforts led to the recovery of expensive fishing equipment, which also carried significant sentimental value to its rightful owner,” said Inspector Peter Koster, Officer in Charge of Air & Marine Border Integrity of FPPR.

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