More details have emerged from the raid that took place at a high-profile motorcycle club in Langford last month.
Today, West Shore RCMP confirmed they executed dozen of search warrants in a drug trafficking investigation on on January 31st.
In a coordinated effort involving approximately 40 police officers from various units, police say a significant breakthrough was made in a months-long investigation into drug trafficking in the Greater Victoria area.
Members of the West Shore RCMP, RCMP Emergency Response Team, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team, and Victoria Police Strike Force executed 12 search warrants across the region.
The operation, spearheaded by the West Shore RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Unit, targeted properties and vehicles suspected to be involved in illicit drug activities.
The search warrants encompassed a variety of locations, including residential and commercial properties in Langford, Colwood, View Royal, North Saanich, and Victoria.
Among the targeted properties were three residences and the Savages Club House on Spencer Road in Langford.
During the execution of the warrants, law enforcement officers seized a substantial amount of evidence implicating individuals in drug trafficking operations.
Related: West Shore RCMP raid high-profile motorcycle clubhouse in Langford
Among the confiscated items were approximately 450 grams of fentanyl, around 150 grams of methamphetamine, over 200 grams of psilocybin, hundreds of various pills, and smaller quantities of powdered and crack cocaine.
Additionally, authorities discovered another kilogram of an unidentified substance, highlighting the scope and complexity of the ongoing investigation.
In addition to the narcotics haul, officers confiscated just over $46,000 in cash, further disrupting the financial infrastructure supporting the illegal drug trade.
Firearms were also seized during the operation, including an SKS rifle, a prohibited handgun, and an imitation handgun, underscoring the potential dangers associated with drug-related criminal enterprises.
Furthermore, evidence indicative of drug trafficking activities, such as cutting agents, packaging materials, scales, and scoresheets, was recovered from the targeted properties, providing crucial insights into the operational tactics employed by individuals involved in the illicit drug trade.
“We thank all the officers and police agencies that assisted in this large-scale investigation. A significant number of drugs and drug trafficking evidence was seized by police. We are committed to dismantling and disrupting the drug trade in West Shore,” said Sgt. Ryan Walsh, West Shore RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Unit.
“CFSEU-BC, along with all of its law enforcement partners, are committed to ensuring that outlaw motorcycle gangs and their associates remain a priority due to the level of violence and harm they inflict on our communities,” says Sergeant Brenda Winpenny, CFSEU-BC’s Media Relations Officer.
“The Savages outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) is known to be a support club for the Hells Angels. The arrests associated with this investigation, including that of a full-patch member of the Savages OMG, are significant in our efforts to fulfill our mandate in addressing public safety.”
According to Cpl. Nancy Saggar, Media Relations Officer for the West Shore RCMP, 450 grams of Fentanyl, at minimum, would constitute approximately 4500 individual doses.
However, this figure could potentially be significantly higher, potentially reaching into the tens of thousands, depending on the purity level of the Fentanyl.
“The exact purity level cannot be determined until laboratory testing is concluded.”
Three individuals were apprehended during the operation. Among them were two male residents of Langford, aged 45 and 41, with one of them identified as a member of The Savages Motorcycle Club.
Additionally, a female resident of Colwood, aged 27, was also taken into custody.
