UPDATED – Police say a man was killed in a targeted shooting last night in downtown Kamloops.

Kamloops RCMP was called to the Howard Johnson motel, at 530 Columbia Street, for a report of shots fired just before 8 p.m. last night.

The body of a man was found in one of the motel units, and Sgt. Jeff Bingley says police suspect the shooting is linked to the drug trade.

This is the first homicide 0f the year in Kamloops, but police say is no safety risk to the general public.

Police are still searching for a suspect as they continue to investigate and collect evidence. An update later in the day from RCMP Spokesperson Const. Crystal Evelyn says the victim was in his 20s.

Evelyn says the murder scene at the Howard Johnson as well as two rooms at the Star Lodge on Columbia St. West are being held as part of this investigation.

“This homicide occurred early in the night at a time when many people are usually still awake,” Evelyn said. “If anyone saw anything suspicious at all that they think may be related to this investigation, please contact us right away.”

“Maybe you saw someone hanging around the area who caught your eye, or maybe it was someone running away in a hurry around 8 p.m. when the call came in – if you think that something you heard or saw may be related, please let us know.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Kamloops RCMP or CrimeStoppers.