Sicamous RCMP are investigating after a driver fled from police and abandoned the vehicle, which appeared to be used for drug trafficking.

At 11 p.m. on Jan. 5, police conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Dart driving into the traffic circle on Highway 97A from Highway 1, with the vehicle found to have expired licence plates and insurance. 

"The driver of the vehicle accelerated south on Hwy 97A from the traffic stop once the officer exited his vehicle," Sgt. Murray McNeil said in a media release, noting that the officer didn't pursue due to public safety but was able to locate the car shortly after where it was abandoned on Mara Heights Road. 

"A police dog was called to the scene to begin a track for the driver, who was not located," McNeil added. "A search of the vehicle located evidence that the vehicle was being used for drug trafficking."

The car was seized as part of the dangerous operation and flight from police investigation.