Investigators in the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) conducted seven search warrants and uncovered an alleged drug and contraband tobacco trafficking organization.
Four people were arrested after the search warrants were executed in Victoria, Langley, Abbotsford and Surrey on Jan. 24 and 25.
As part of the search warrants, officers seized 32 firearms, a large quantity of ammunition, body armour, 10 pallets of contraband liquor, approximately $11 million worth of contraband cigarettes, half a kilogram of cocaine, 80 kg of marijuana, hydraulic cocaine press and other drug paraphernalia, one speedboat and eight vehicles — one of which was a stolen Porsche Cayenne.
In a release, CFSEU-BC says the suspects have been determined to be connected to gangs and organized crime.
“This investigation resulted in the largest one-time seizure of contraband cigarettes in B.C. and speaks to CFSEU-BC’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate to disrupt and support the prosecution of those gang-involved individuals who impact public safety and seek to make profits off of illegal commodities,” says Sergeant Brenda Winpenny, Media Relations Officer for CFSEU-BC.
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- Vehicles, contraband cigarettes and a hydraulic cocaine press were among the items seized. (CFSEU-BC handout image)
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- Contraband liquor, drugs and vehicles were part of the seizure. (CFSEU-BC handout image)
Laura Brougham
