Metro Vancouver Transit Police say they've arrested a network of people and seized drugs, firearms and counterfeit cash related to a multi-jurisdiction drug trafficking ring.
Transit police executed three simultaneous residential search warrants in three different municipalities on May 2.
Seized in the course of that work were:
- 10 firearms of varying calibre, some with illegal modifications;
- 3,800 rounds of ammunition;
- illicit drugs, packaged in a manner consistent with trafficking, with an estimated street value of $70,000;
- approximately $50,000 in counterfeit Canadian currency; and,
- a 2017 Mercedes C300W, believed to have been purchased using criminal proceeds.
The investigation began in fall 2022 when police became aware of a network of individuals associated with the British Columbia gang conflicts.
Police said they suspected those people of trafficking illicit drugs into Metro Vancouver communities by using the transit network.
“It was quickly determined that these suspects posed a risk to public safety due to their access to firearms,” police said.
Also located at one residence was a magic mushroom grow operation that was dismantled and seized.
“Four suspects have been arrested, and additional arrests are anticipated,” police said. “The investigation is ongoing.”
“Working with multiple jurisdictional police partners allows us to investigate criminal activities that cross municipal boundaries,” Chief Dave Jones said. “Transit police are committed to public safety and want to send a clear message that if you use the transit system to commit crime, you will be arrested and face criminal charges.”
Assisting the transit police in their investigation were: Surrey RCMP Crime Reduction Unit North, RCMP Lower Mainland District, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit B.C., and the Vancouver Police Department.
