Close X
Saturday, November 23, 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

B.C. doctor faces second sex assault charge

B.C. doctor faces second sex assault charge
Police in Delta, B.C., say Dr. Olumuyiwa Bamgbade, who operated a pain clinic in that community before relocating it to neighbouring Surrey, faces another charge of sexual assault over an alleged incident in 2019.

B.C. doctor faces second sex assault charge

Nexus traveller program to resume by April 24

Nexus traveller program to resume by April 24
The Canada Border Services Agency says enrolment centres will reopen for applicant sit-downs at the Halifax and Winnipeg airports on March 27, followed by a staggered reopening at the six other airports where customs preclearance is an option, including the final two in Toronto and Ottawa on April 24.

Nexus traveller program to resume by April 24

Two staff members stabbed at Halifax high school

Two staff members stabbed at Halifax high school
Police said they responded to a weapons complaint at around 9:20 a.m., and a suspect was taken into custody about 10 minutes later at Charles P. Allen High School in the suburb of Bedford. A teacher at the school said it appears a male student was in the school's front office with a vice-principal when the student suddenly became violent.

Two staff members stabbed at Halifax high school

Strike halts bus service in B.C.'s Fraser Valley

Strike halts bus service in B.C.'s Fraser Valley
The union says its members, who work for a company that contracts service to BC Transit, have no pension and make 32 per cent less than bus drivers and other staff elsewhere in Metro Vancouver's transit system.

Strike halts bus service in B.C.'s Fraser Valley

Class-action lawsuit launched against game maker

Class-action lawsuit launched against game maker
The statement says Fortnite creator Epic Games enriches itself by making content and customization options purchasable via an in-game currency, which are purchased with real cash. The class-action lawsuit would still need approval from the court and none of the allegations have been proven in court.

Class-action lawsuit launched against game maker

New Westminster Police officers appeal for witnesses to come forward following stabbing

New Westminster Police officers appeal for witnesses to come forward following stabbing
Officers searched the area but were unable to locate any suspects. Officers have been actively interviewing witnesses and canvassing the area for CCTV footage. Due to the serious nature of the injuries the Major Crime Unit has assumed conduct of the investigation. At this time, officers believe this to be an isolated incident.

New Westminster Police officers appeal for witnesses to come forward following stabbing