AN investigation by the Metro Vancouver Transit Police Crime Suppression Team has led to arrests and a large amount of drugs and firearms being seized, resulting in charges against two individuals, and halting a sophisticated Surrey-based drug dealing operation.
In spring, Transit Police became aware of two individuals suspected of trafficking illicit drugs in and around Surrey, including at the transit system. It was quickly determined that the suspects posed a serious risk to public safety due to their access to firearms and fentanyl that was disguised to look like dog treats.
Among the items seized by Transit Police, with the assistance of the BC RCMP Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team and the Surrey RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit North, were:
- 3.4 kilograms of fentanyl
- 28.7 grams of cocaine
- Five firearms, including a Polymer80 9MM caliber semiautomatic “ghost” handgun
- Body armour
- $36,925 in cash
- A 2019 Volkswagen Jetta
- A diamond necklace, and a diamond ring
Charges have been approved by the BC Prosecution Office for a man and woman, both from Surrey, including 10 counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, four counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of trafficking a firearm and four counts of possession of a firearm without a licence.
One suspect has been released with strict conditions, including 24-hour house arrest, while the other remains in custody pending their next court appearance. Both suspects cannot be named due to a publication ban.
“The volume of fentanyl seized equaled nearly 2 million lethal doses, which is alarming, given that we are in the midst of an opioid crisis in BC. To have it be processed using molds designed for dog treats meant that this potentially deadly substance was disguised to make it appear benign to anyone who came across it,” said Constable Amanda Steed.
