Close X
Wednesday, November 13, 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

Councillor '100%' in support of interference probe

Councillor '100%' in support of interference probe
 The report says consulate officials worked to oust then-mayor Kennedy Stewart and elect a new mayor and a certain city councillor. Ongoing concerns about possible foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections spurred Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to name former governor general David Johnston to investigate.

Councillor '100%' in support of interference probe

Killer says Amanda Zhao may be alive, enraging mom

Killer says Amanda Zhao may be alive, enraging mom
The 21-year-old English student’s remains had been found stuffed in a suitcase in Mission, B.C., and Yang’s identification of her daughter was also confirmed by a police DNA test. More than 20 years later, any sense of closure thatact offered has been torn apart by the claims of Zhao's convicted killer, Ang Li, that he was framed by China's government and Zhao might not be dead at all.

Killer says Amanda Zhao may be alive, enraging mom

Canada to hold special ceremony for coronation

Canada to hold special ceremony for coronation
The ceremony in Ottawa will be one of several events held over two days as Canada marks the investiture of its new monarch. Trudeau says the Canadian ceremony will acknowledge the special relationship that King Charles has had with Canada over the past 50 years as the Prince of Wales.

Canada to hold special ceremony for coronation

NDP calls for caregiver credit to be refundable

NDP calls for caregiver credit to be refundable
NDP MP Bonita Zarrillo, who is the party's critic for disability inclusion, sent a letter to Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on Wednesday calling for the change in the upcoming federal budget. Individuals who are supporting a spouse, common-law partner or dependant with a physical or mental impairment can currently claim the credit against the federal taxes they owe.

NDP calls for caregiver credit to be refundable

Suspect in fatal shooting of 2 officers dead

Suspect in fatal shooting of 2 officers dead
Police Chief Dale McFee said Const. Travis Jordan, 35, and Const. Brett Ryan, 30, were shot by a man as they entered the building in the city's northwest and approached the suite. McFee said other officers rushed the wounded officers to hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

Suspect in fatal shooting of 2 officers dead

Man arrested with a gun at Abbotsford hospital

Man arrested with a gun at Abbotsford hospital
A person in the waiting room alerted hospital security after seeing the man drop a round of ammunition onto the floor. Hospital security contacted the police providing updates to arriving officers. Patrol officers immediately entered the hospital and took the man into custody without incident—a search of the man located a firearm.

Man arrested with a gun at Abbotsford hospital