Ridge Meadows RCMP are investigating allegations that an employee of the Fraser Health Authority has been involved in a drugs-for-sex exchange with a teenage girl from Maple Ridge.
A police spokesman said the investigation is in its early stages, after police received a complaint last week.
The allegations are that a health care worker exploited a 17-year-old girl from Maple Ridge, as he gave her prescription drugs that she was addicted to, in exchange for sex.
The pair met through a Craigslist ad. The man is alleged to have said he worked at Royal Columbian Hospital, and could get the pharmaceuticals the teen wanted.
A Ridge Meadows RCMP spokesman said the investigation will determine whether drugs have been stolen from Royal Columbian Hospital. The New Westminster Police Department is also involved.
Police will also investigate the relationship between the teen and the alleged hospital worker, and whether it was coercive or exploitative. The age of consent for sexual activity is 16 years. However, the age of consent is considered 18 years where the sexual activity exploits the young person – such as when it involves prostitution, pornography or a person in authority.
Fraser Health spokesperson Tasleem Juma confirmed that the health authority is involved in an RCMP investigation into the matter, but would not confirm that a Fraser Health employee has been identified as a suspect.
“As this is an active RCMP investigation, we can’t elaborate on any details or individuals involved, but are fully cooperating with the RCMP regarding this case,” said Juma.