WATCH: Penticton RCMP arrest man in mail theft and drug investigation

PENTICTON – RCMP have a man in custody in an investigation that started with drug use and expanded into the theft of mail and other valuables.

Police say a 37-year-old man was arrested Monday night after they received a report of a male smoking drugs in a vehicle at the Lakeside Resort parking lot.

A search of the suspect and his car turned up numerous keys that appeared to be for mailboxes and residences. Police also found credit cards belonging to other people.

Then on Tuesday afternoon, officers executed a search warrant at the man’s residence at the Summerland Motel.

RCMP say they found a large quantity of stolen mail as well as jewellery, tools, office equipment and drugs.

The motel manager says a couple from the Vancouver area has been renting the unit for about five weeks.

The suspect is facing drug and stolen property charges.

The mail thefts occurred mostly in Summerland but also in other areas of the south Okanagan.