For many people, a morning coffee is a ritual that launches their day on a positive note.
But for three people driving in the 15200-block of North Bluff Road early Wednesday, a cup of java was their downfall, after the careless toss of an empty cup out of a car window led police to a cache of stolen mail.
White Rock RCMP Sgt. Roland Pierschke said Const. Andrew Molnar was conducting a routine traffic stop for littering when he discovered the occupants of an older-model Oldsmobile he pulled over around 5 a.m. Jan. 26 were wanted on numerous arrest warrants.
Further investigation located "a big box" of mail in the trunk, Pierschke said, estimating the box contained "hundreds" of pieces.
Two women and one man – all Maple Ridge residents – were arrested.
Canada Post investigators are assisting in identifying the mail.
"It looks like it's just related to White Rock, but we're investigating to see if it's multi-jurisdictional," Pierschke said.
Pierschke credited the arrest to "great proactive policing" on Molnar's part.
Investigation is ongoing and charges against three young adults are pending.