Crime in Vancouver: VPD seizes 24 kilos of fentanyl and other drugs

Five men, possibly more, linked to a Quebec gang are facing charges after Vancouver police seized 24 kilograms of drugs along with guns and cash.

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said the seizure came after a 14-month investigation into Area 43, a gang that the VPD says originated in Quebec but established its operations in the Greater Vancouver area. Vancouver.

The VPD said that in May, investigators executed five search warrants: three in Vancouver and two in Burnaby.

Officers recovered more than 24 kilograms of drugs, including seven kilograms of fentanyl, 11 kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of methamphetamine and four kilograms of mixing agents. These cutting agents could include benzodiazepines, a nervous system depressant, said Insp. Phil Heard talks about the VPD’s organized crime section.

Officers also seized two handguns and more than $150,000 in cash.

“These impressive results are a direct result of the dedication and professionalism of our investigators and civilian professionals. Our staff is committed to combating organized crime groups operating in our community, particularly those from other jurisdictions who seek to establish themselves in Vancouver and profit from the sale of toxic drugs,” Heard said.

Heard said the gang worked in cooperation with the Wolfpack gang, an organized crime group active across Canada.

And, he added, despite the investigation and arrests, he believes the gang still has active members in the Vancouver area.

“I continue to believe that they pose a very serious risk to the public,” he told reporters.

In addition, he said, Area 43 was allegedly involved in conflicts with rival gangs in Montreal.

“We have witnessed very serious acts of violence,” he said.

With Wolfpack members facing charges or their associates behind bars, Heard said the possibility of other criminal groups from outside moving into their market is not unexpected. And that could lead to gang conflict.

Police said five men were arrested in the latest arrest. These men, along with others identified during the investigation, will face numerous drug and criminal charges once the investigation is complete. All five men have been released pending further investigation, Heard said.