COQUITLAM RCMP have made multiple arrests and seized suspected drugs and cash in a long-term drug trafficking investigation.

In the fall of 2022, the Coquitlam RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Section (DOC) initiated a proactive project called EPRAWNS, targeting several known drug traffickers working within the Tri-Cities.

Between December 2023 and May 2024, the DOC with the assistance of numerous partner agencies within the Lower Mainland executed several search warrants at locations in Port Coquitlam, Burnaby and Surrey.

The search of these locations resulted in the seizure of multiple items related to drug trafficking, including:

* Approximately 2 ounces of suspected cocaine;
* Approximately 22 grams of pre-packaged suspected cocaine;
* Approximately 4 ounces of suspected benzodiazepine;
* Approximately 14 ounces of suspected crack cocaine;
* Approximately $150,000 in Canadian and American currency.

Six suspects, ranging in age from 28 to 35 years old, were arrested without incident during the execution of the search warrants. The suspects have since been released pending charge approval by BC Prosecution Service.

“The proactive enforcement by Coquitlam’s Drugs and Organized Crime Section resulted in a significant disruption to criminal activity by removing drugs and preventing them from entering our communities,” said Inspector Aaron Lloyd, Operations Support Officer of Coquitlam RCMP, on Wednesday. “The Coquitlam RCMP is committed to reducing community harm by targeting drug traffickers that prey on the vulnerable for their own personal gain.”