SURREY RCMP’s Gang Enforcement Team (SGET) and Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (CFSEU-UGET) have seized 26 firearms, five imitation firearms, several bear sprays, knives, a Taser and ammunition in a two-month joint violence suppression initiative that commenced in August.

Officers impounded or seized 28 vehicles for various offences and four are in the process of being forfeited through the Civil Forfeiture Office. Approximately $25,000 in cash was seized.

Fourteen people are facing charges that include breach of conditions, warrants, obstructions of peace officer, carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, careless use of a firearm, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, possession for the purposes of trafficking, and personating a police officer.

There were 43 Controlled Drugs and Substances Act investigations;162 Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Clubhouse checks; 226 curfew checks; 307 Inadmissible Patrons Program (IPP) checks; and 11 Inadmissible Patrons Program (IPP) ejections.

The two-month initiative focused on enhanced enforcement and interdictions, specifically targeting individuals involved in the Lower Mainland Gang Conflict and individuals identified as Provincial Tactical Enforcement Priorites (PTEP).

“The collective goal of joint enforcement initiatives such as this most recent project with CFSEU-BC, is to drive home the message to gang members and their associates that they are not welcome here,” said Surrey RCMP Proactive Enforcement Officer Inspector Ryan Element on Thursday.

“One way we know these anti-gang programs are making a difference is the decreasing number of ejections from restaurants and bars who participate in the Inadmissible Patrons Program. Gang members know not to attend establishments participating in the IPP program, making them safer for families and other members of our community to enjoy,”

“CFSEU-BC’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team works closely with other frontline gang enforcement officers around the province. Our collaborative efforts with the Surrey RCMP’s Gang Enforcement Team brought together the skills, knowledge and expertise of both teams to suppress and disrupt gang activity and related violence in neighbourhoods across the City of Surrey,” said Superintendent Alison Laurin, Deputy Operations Support Officer for the CFSEU-BC.

“Working together, we have been able to seize potentially deadly drugs, weapons and firearms, and intervene to prevent acts of violence from impacting the Surrey community. We are extremely pleased to have been able to partner with SGET on this initiative and look forward to working together again in the near future.”