Close X
Sunday, November 10, 2024
ADVT 
National

VPD seizes $7.8 million fentanyl, cocaine in joint-forces operation

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 12 Apr, 2023 03:14 PM
  • VPD seizes $7.8 million fentanyl, cocaine in joint-forces operation

Vancouver – A Vancouver Police drug investigation has shut down a major fentanyl lab and intercepted nearly $8 million in illicit, deadly drugs that were destined for distribution in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.

“Every day in British Columbia, more people die and new people become addicted to illicit drugs that are manufactured and trafficked by organized crime groups that operate in plain sight,” says Inspector Phil Heard, commanding officer of VPD’s Organized Crime Section. “While the results of this investigation are impressive, there is much more work that needs to be done to address B.C.’s overdose crisis and the criminals that profit from it.”

VPD’s Organized Crime Section launched Project Toluene in January, focusing on a group of criminals that were manufacturing and trafficking illicit drugs at various locations throughout the region. The investigation led police to a fentanyl lab operating inside a house in a residential Richmond neighbourhood. On March 21, with assistance from Richmond RCMP and B.C’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, Vancouver Police executed a search warrant to dismantle the lab.

Investigators seized more than seven kilograms of suspected fentanyl, 800 grams of methamphetamines, and $39,000 cash from inside the lab. A man arrested near the lab was found in possession of an additional 15 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, along with two kilograms of cocaine and nearly $48,000 cash in a nearby vehicle.

VPD’s Emergency Response Team later executed a search warrant at a condo tower in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, believed to be operated by the same organized crime group, and seized an additional 4.7 kilograms of fentanyl, and $272,000 cash.

In total, investigators seized:

  • 27.7 kilograms fentanyl
  • two kilograms cocaine
  • 800 grams methamphetamines
  • $365,000 cash

“Drug investigations are complex, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to root out the criminals who endanger our communities,” adds Inspector Heard. “We’re grateful to our partners at Richmond RCMP and CFSEU for their assistance in this investigation, and we will continue working with other law enforcement agencies to target organized criminals who produce illicit drugs.”

Three men initially arrested by Vancouver Police have been released pending completion of the investigation. Multiple charges related to production of controlled substances, and possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking, will be recommended against the suspects.

MORE National ARTICLES

Tribunal orders payout over caste discrimination

Tribunal orders payout over caste discrimination
Tribunal adjudicator Sonya Pighin says brothers Inderjit and Avninder Dhillon used a caste-based slur against Bhangu during the brawl at the B.C. firm's 2018 party, and ordered that they pay him $9,755 in compensation.

Tribunal orders payout over caste discrimination

B.C. to provide 330 new homes for DTES residents

B.C. to provide 330 new homes for DTES residents
Ravi Kahlon, who announced the new initiative at an afternoon news conference alongside Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, said there are currently about 117 people living on East Hastings Street, 70 of whom have expressed a desire for housing.    

B.C. to provide 330 new homes for DTES residents

Two injured after shooting in Chilliwack, B.C.

Two injured after shooting in Chilliwack, B.C.
The RCMP say that police arrived and found two victims with multiple gun shot wounds. They say officers immediately provided first aid until Emergency Health Services arrived and transported the victims to hospital.

Two injured after shooting in Chilliwack, B.C.

Calgary house explosion leaves at least 10 injured

Calgary house explosion leaves at least 10 injured
Adam Loria, a spokesman for Calgary Emergency Medical Services, says all the people sent to hospital are adults. He says six people were in life-threatening condition and four received serious injuries.

Calgary house explosion leaves at least 10 injured

Charges laid in March 12th shooting incident

Charges laid in March 12th shooting incident
37-year-old Craig Truckle of Nanaimo and of no fixed address has been arrested in connection with the March 12th shooting which sent a 39-year-old man to hospital with serious injuries. At approximately 11 pm on Wednesday Truckle was arrested without incident in downtown Nanaimo by front line officers and taken into police custody.

Charges laid in March 12th shooting incident

Funeral for 2 officers shot and killed in Edmonton

Funeral for 2 officers shot and killed in Edmonton
The funeral for Const. Travis Jordan, who was 35, and Const. Brett Ryan, who was 30, is planned to be held in the afternoon at the home arena for the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League. The service is not open to the public but there will be a livestream, which is to be broadcast in an outdoor plaza near the arena.

Funeral for 2 officers shot and killed in Edmonton