Vancouver Police seizes about $13 million in drugs, guns and cash from organized crime group

THE Vancouver Police announced on Thursday that they have seized approximately $13 million in drugs, guns, and cash following a year-long investigation into an organized crime group in the Vancouver area during phase two of Project Torque.

In March, investigators from VPD’s Organized Crime Section executed three search warrants at locations in downtown Vancouver, seizing 14 kilograms of fentanyl, 12 kilograms of cocaine, 17 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 73 kilograms of MDMA. Investigators also seized four firearms and more than $190,000 in cash.

“These impressive results are the direct result of the dedication and professionalism of our investigators and civilian professionals. Our staff are committed to combatting organized crime groups operating in Vancouver, especially those that seek to profit from manufacturing and supplying toxic drugs,” said Inspector Phil Heard, commanding officer of Vancouver Police Department’s Organized Crime Section.

Last December, VPD announced that the first phase of this investigation led to the seizure of $3 million in drugs and guns, including more than 88 kilograms of illicit drugs.

“In total, during this investigation, more than 200 kilograms of illicit hard drugs have been seized.  I am confident that seizures of this magnitude will successfully dismantle the organized crime groups involved,” said Heard.

Two men and two women were arrested during the second phase of Project Torque and will face numerous drugs and firearms charges when the investigation is complete, police said.