News release

Trail RCMP weekly report November 18, 2025

November 18, 2025 - Trail, British Columbia
From: Trail RCMP

Content

Trail RCMP received report about online extortion via social media platform 

File # 2025-4926

On Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:24 a.m., a frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officer received a report from a young person about being the target for online extortion in the Trail and Greater District, BC.

The young person made a connection with an unknown suspect via a social media platform. The young person was allegedly convinced to take and send a nude digital photograph via email by the suspect. Once sent, the suspect began demanding money from the young person. The young person sent $20 electronically to the suspect; however, the young person’s parent was alerted to the transaction and intervened.

The parent and young person reported the incident to the Trail RCMP. The officer spoke to the young person about the incident and provided guidance on internet safety. The young person deleted the social media account and blocked the suspect. The money cannot be recovered.

“Our young people can get themselves into difficult predicaments when using social media. In this case, the parent was able intervene and report the matter to police. Please take a moment to speak to your children about the consequences of sending sensitive photographs to others. Once a photograph enters the digital realm, it can never be undone,” says Sgt. Wicentowich.

Porch pirate poaches package

File 2025-4943

On Friday, November 14, 2025, at 7:53 p.m., a frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officer received a report that a package was stolen off from a porch in the 900 block of Spokane Street, in Trail, BC.

The package owner had confirmation from the delivery company that the package was delivered. When she went to retrieve it from her porch, she found it was gone. The woman received a refund from the company.

To help prevent becoming a victim of package theft:

• Plan for deliveries by tracking your package to reduce time left outside on a porch or in a mailbox.
• Have packages delivered to a safe location or person, or into a secure drop box.
• Request that all packages require a signature upon delivery ensuring they end up in the right hands.  
• Send packages to your work location if allowed.

“As Christmas approaches, please take extra precaution to secure incoming package deliveries to prevent theft,” says Sgt. Wicentowich.

Nitrous oxide gas abuse leads to seizure

File # 2025-4944

On Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1:47 a.m., frontline Trail and Greater District RCMP officers and EHS responded to a report of a young man in medical distress after consuming nitrous oxide gas at a residence in the 1900 block of Second Avenue, in Trail, BC.

The young man had allegedly been inhaling nitrous oxide gas prior to seizure. The young man’s use of gas may have triggered a seizure episode. The seizure episode reportedly lasted for upward of 45 minutes before emergency services were contacted and arrived on scene.

EHS stabilized the young man then transported him to the hospital for further assessment and treatment.

Recreational use, which often involves inhaling high concentrations of the gas without sufficient oxygen, carries a significantly higher risk of severe side effects.

Short-Term Dangers (often due to oxygen deprivation or cold gas)

• Hypoxia/Asphyxiation: The most common cause of death, resulting from insufficient oxygen supply to the brain and body's tissues.
• Loss of consciousness or fainting.
• Frostbite/cold burns to the mouth, lips, throat, and lungs from inhaling directly from a pressurized canister (the gas is extremely cold).
• Impaired coordination and balance, leading to accidents and injuries.
• Psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions.
• Rapid heart rate or changes in blood pressure, potentially leading to a heart attack.
• Seizures.

“Nitrous gas is also known as  “laughing gas” and can provide a temporary euphoric feeling for those who inhale it. It can be used safely in a medical setting; however, recreational abuse can have serious consequences, as it did in this case,” says Sgt. Wicentowich. 

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