Mexican drug cartel-linked organized crime group in BC taken down

Photo: RCMP

RCMP Federal Policing investigators in BC have arrested three men as part of enforcement actions against a transnational organized crime group connected to Mexican drug cartels, believed to be involved in the importation of cocaine into Canada.

Investigators have also seized 23 firearms, several thousand rounds of ammunition, many kilos of illicit drugs, and other items located at the criminal group’s heavily fortified headquarters in Surrey.

On September 23, the RCMP Federal Policing – Pacific Region Drugs and Organized Crime Unit – Group-7, with the assistance of the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team (ERT), executed a search warrant on a house in Surrey and arrested three suspects for their alleged involvement in the importation of illicit drugs, and weapons-related offences.

During the warrant execution, investigators discovered the residence to be surrounded by compound fencing, steel gates, and razor wires. The entry doors were fully covered by metal shutters, with the interior and exterior of the residence being equipped with video and audio monitoring systems.

The search of the fortified residence yielded:

  • 23 firearms, that included 10 handguns, 9 assault rifles, 2 shotguns, 2 hunting rifles, silencers, and several thousand rounds of ammunition.
  • Illicit drugs, including many kilograms of fentanyl, methamphetamine, ketamine, and a variety of other opioids.
  • $15,000 in cash, and law enforcement-issued apparel.

“This enforcement action was part of the RCMP Federal Policing program’s joint responsibility of protecting Canada’s border from transnational organized crime, and in this case preventing the importation of cocaine into Canada by organized crime groups associated to Mexican drug cartels, said Chief Superintendent Stephen Lee, Deputy Regional Commander – RCMP Federal Policing Program, Pacific Region.

This investigation is ongoing, and numerous drug- and weapons-related charges are being pursued, police said.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.