THE Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said on Wednesday that it has made significant progress in disrupting drug trafficking and street disorder around the Commercial–Broadway corridor during welfare cheque‑issue week.

In the past 24 hours, the VPD made nine arrests for possession for the purpose of trafficking and seized more than 114 grams of packaged drugs, along with over $3,000 in cash.

This announcement comes one day after VPD issued a public warning following seven overdose incidents occurring at the same time near East 10th Avenue and Broadway.

Officers have been conducting targeted enforcement around Commercial Drive and Broadway, an area that historically sees spikes in drug activity, violence, and overdoses during welfare cheque‑issue week.

When VPD officers attended one of the overdose incidents on Tuesday, they located multiple weapons, including a samurai sword and several knives.

“Our teams have been working tirelessly to curb drug trafficking and disorder in the Commercial–Broadway area during this high‑risk period,” said Acting Inspector Astrid Bonter, District Three Commander. “The arrests and seizures made over the past day reflect the dedication of our officers and our commitment to reducing overdoses and disrupting the flow of toxic drugs through this corridor.”

Vancouver Police will continue targeted enforcement to enhance public safety and reduce harm in the community, she added.