Vernon man charged with drug dealing after SUV seized due to hit and run

A 29-year-old Vernon man has been charged with drug trafficking following an incident where his vehicle was used in a violent hit and run against a cyclist almost two years ago.

In March 2020 Vernon RCMP reported a cyclist was deliberately hit by an SUV and then assaulted by the driver and passenger. The RCMP released a video at the time hoping for witnesses.

The vehicle used in the hit and run, a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, was seized by police which then discovered an after-market compartment that contained four kilograms of methamphetamine and over 100 grams of cocaine.

According to a Jan. 12 Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media release, the ongoing investigation has now resulted in the vehicle's owner, 29-year-old Vernon resident, Nabil Abdel-Kader being charged.

Abdel-Kader is charged with possession of methamphetamines and cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

"The charges in this case come after a long investigative process and demonstrates our commitment to targeting drug trafficking both at the street level and in this instance, a much higher multi-kilogram level," Vernon RCMP Sgt. David Evans said in the release.

The media release does not mention any charges regarding the hit and run and assault on the cyclist.

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