VANCOUVER Police announced on Tuesday that they have seized 24 kilograms of illicit drugs, along with guns and cash, following a 14-month investigation into an organized crime group operating in the Vancouver area that is originally from Quebec.

For more than a year, investigators from VPD’s Organized Crime Section have been investigating the criminal operations of Zone 43 – a gang originally from Quebec whose members established operations in Vancouver.

In May, investigators executed five search warrants – three in Vancouver and two in Burnaby.  Police recovered more than 24 kilograms of drugs, including seven kilograms of fentanyl, 11 kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of methamphetamine, and four kilograms of mixing agents. Investigators also seized two handguns and more than $150,000 in cash.

“These impressive results are the direct result of the dedication and professionalism of our investigators and civilian professionals. Our staff is committed to combatting organized crime groups operating in our community, especially those from other jurisdictions that seek to establish operations in Vancouver and profit from the sale of toxic drugs,” says Inspector Phil Heard, officer in charge of Vancouver Police Department’s Organized Crime Section.

Five men were arrested. Those men, and others identified in the investigation, will face numerous drug and criminal charges when the investigation is complete.