VPD gang investigation yields major seizure of cash and drugs
Organized crime investigators say they seized more than $8 million worth of drugs while executing search warrants in Metro Vancouver last week.
The investigation – dubbed "Project Tint" – originated with the Vancouver Police Department in May. Officers from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, British Columbia's anti-gang task police task force, were also involved.
At a news conference Wednesday, police said the investigation targeted "a high-level organized crime group" involved in the ongoing Lower Mainland gang conflict.
Two of the searches were conducted at homes in New Westminster, while the third happened at a residence in Port Moody, according to police.
In all, officers seized more than 10 kilograms of fentanyl, 22 kilograms of cocaine and 41 kilograms of methamphetamine. They also seized $172,000 in cash, two vehicles and a kilogram press.
The haul was on display for reporters during the news conference.
“This is one of the larger drug seizures we have seen in recent years,” said Insp. Phil Heard, of the VPD’s Organized Crime Section.
“We believe this investigation, and the substantial seizure of drugs and cash, will have a significant impact on organized crime in the Lower Mainland.”
Two people were arrested, but police did not name them as charges have not yet been laid. Heard said police expected to recommend "several" charges in the case, adding that the investigation is ongoing.
Heard described the investigation as a "collaborative effort" involving the VPD, the CFSEU-BC and the Lower Mainland's Integrated Emergency Response Team.
“A seizure of this size will undoubtedly reduce the amount of fentanyl and other illicit drugs sold on the streets,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Fluid in eye cells can 'boil' if you watch the eclipse without protection: expert
Millions of people in parts of Eastern and Atlantic Canada will be able to see the rare solar eclipse happening on April 8. But they should only look up if they have proper eye protection, experts say.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Being harassed at work? What to consider when deciding what to do next
If you've been the victim of workplace harassment, it can be difficult to feel you're not alone - and even more difficult to know where to go with a complaint.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
Half of Canadians support TikTok ban, with U.S. concerns 'trickling' north: poll
A new poll indicates 51 per cent of Canadians support banning the social media app TikTok, after a U.S. bill aiming to do just that passed in the House of Representatives.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
More unauthorized products for skin, sexual enhancement, recalled: Here are the recalls of this week
Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled various items this week, including torches, beef biltong and unauthorized products related to skin care and sexual enhancement.