A 21-year-old Maple Ridge man was arrested on Tuesday night after being found with illegal drugs.

According to Ridge Meadows RCMP Cpl. Alanna Dunlop, police stopped a 1994 Nissan Altima in the 22700 block of 129 Avenue in Maple Ridge at about 8 p.m. on Tuesday for a routine traffic stop.

"The driver gave the officer a false name, but he was quickly found to be lying. Turns out he did not possess a valid driver's licence, as his driving privileges were prohibited," said Dunlop.

The officer arrested the suspect for obstructing a peace officer. A search of the man and the car resulted in the seizure of what police believe to be nine grams of crack cocaine, one gram of heroin, six ounces of marijuana, and 30 tablets of ecstasy and OxyCotin.

There was other items associated to the drug trade also discovered.

The car was towed, as police could not contact the vehicle's owner.

"We are looking into whether the car was stolen or not," said Dunlop.

Police are recommending charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking. The man was released on a promise to appear in court on a later date.

SHOPLIFTER NABBED AGAIN

A 43-year-old Maple Ridge man was arrested by police after he allegedly tried to rip off batteries from London Drugs at about 9: 45 p.m.

Monday night.

Dunlop said that when the loss prevention officer stopped the suspect and arrested him, the man resisted and a physical struggle ensued.

"Another employee from the store went out and assisted the loss prevention officer in restraining the man, and to wait for police to arrive," said Dunlop.

"During the struggle, the suspect threatened to harm both the loss prevention officer and the other employee," she added.

The suspect has a criminal history, and was convicted of a similar offence at a different Maple Ridge drug store in December 2011, which resulted in the thief being currently on a probation order. He was held in police custody, and is expected to make a first appearance on these charges on Tuesday.

smclaren@mrtimes.com