VICTORIA Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), in coordination with the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT), has taken a man and woman, with ties to Lower Mainland organized crime, into custody for drug trafficking offences.

Over a month-long investigation, CRU officers targeted the suspects due in part to their alleged ties to organized crime. The investigation focussed on a Victoria area drug line believed set up by the Lower Mainland gang the “Brothers Keepers.” On May 15, CRU officers, with the assistance of the GVERT officers, executed a search warrant in the 200-block of Battleford Avenue in Saanich. They arrested a man and a woman.

Officers located drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine and nearly $15,000 in cash. In addition, officers seized two vehicles, one of which is being recommended for civil forfeiture. The man and woman were both released and investigators are recommending drug trafficking charges.

This is the second time in as many months that CRU officers have disrupted the group. On April 5, CRU officers arrested a woman believed to be connected to the group. The Crime Reduction Unit said it hopes that these investigations will deter further gang activity in the Victoria area.