A drug bust at a Saanich home that led to a massive seizure of weapons and drugs has police concerned about possible gang ties.
The search warrant was executed at a home in the 3300 block of Glasgow Avenue on Thursday, May 27th, following an investigation that began in January 2021.
Officers arrested one suspect at the residence and located a large number of weapons, cash, and controlled substances.
These items included:
- two SKS assault rifles
- a modified shotgun
- a handgun
- additional imitation firearms
- prohibited weapons including shuriken and a switchblade knife
- thousands of dollars of cash
- substances believed to be fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine
The functional firearms were found with ammunition and within easy-to-reach locations inside the entrance of the residence.
In addition to the suspect arrested on scene, two others were arrested at Hillside Shopping Centre.
“Most concerning was the fact that this residence was fortified from the inside and had high-powered firearms with ammunition located just inside the entrance,” said Cst. Markus Anastasiades.
“This was a very dangerous situation that posed a potential risk to the police or any member of the public that would have approached this residence.”
Two of the three people arrested remain in police custody on multiple firearms and drug trafficking charges.
Additional charges will be forthcoming as police continue to investigate.
The Saanich Police say they are also looking into whether this operation is related to ongoing gang activity in the lower mainland and Vancouver Island.
