Police have seized $30 million worth of drugs as part of a major operation that stretched from Victoria to the Lower Mainland.
Highly concentrated amounts of the opioid fentanyl were among the drugs seized, along with 20 firearms — many of them with their serial numbers removed — and 1,000 rounds of ammunition. Seven pistols with silencers were also found.
“When we talk about the scope of this project, this is the top of the fentanyl trafficking pyramid in British Columbia,” said Victoria Police Chief Del Manak. “This sends a strong message that police agencies are united across the province.”
The operation began in early June, when Victoria police’s Strike Force discovered a group it was watching was trafficking fentanyl on the Lower Mainland as well as in Victoria. The Strike Force then joined B.C.’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit for an investigation covering both areas, dubbed Project Juliet.
On Nov. 17, Victoria officers, including the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team, executed search warrants on a vehicle and three residences on Fisgard Street, Fairfield Road and View Street.
Police seized two kilograms of fentanyl and methamphetamine, a replica assault rifle and $50,000 in cash. Two people were arrested.
At the same time, officers in the Lower Mainland executed search warrants on three residences and two vehicles. One person was arrested.
Police found more than 10 kilograms of fentanyl, two kilograms of methamphetamine, a kilogram of ecstasy, $335,390 in cash and three luxury vehicles.
Initial analysis of the fentanyl shows a concentration ranging from 88 to 90 per cent. Fentanyl that had been prepared for distribution on the street was found to have a concentration of 13 per cent, which is still very high and likely to cause an increase in overdoses, police said.
More than 12 kilograms of fentanyl was seized overall, enough for almost four million doses.
Drug trafficking and firearms charges are being recommended against a Calgary man, a Surrey man and a Vancouver man, police said.
RCMP Assistant Commissioner Michale LeSage, the chief officer for the special enforcement unit, said the efforts of Victoria police “assuredly” saved lives in the city and around the Island.
“This investigation and others highlight the undeniable links between drugs, guns and violence, all of which threaten the safety of British Columbians.”
Manak said the province’s opioid crisis affects people from all walks of life, and the department will continue to combat the unsafe supply of toxic drugs, working to end the public-health emergency and save lives.
The investigation is continuing.
