Four people have been arrested in a months-long investigation into an alleged drug and contraband tobacco trafficking organization spanning multi-jurisdictions in BC.
The investigation that began in August of 2023, and late last month, the province’s anti-gang task force, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU), carried out seven search warrants on properties located in Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey, and Victoria.
According to a media release issued by the task force on Tuesday, investigators seized nine vehicles, which included a speedboat and a stolen Porsche Cayenne, along with nearly three dozen firearms, a significant amount of ammunition, 35 pallets of contraband cigarettes, half a kilogram of cocaine, and 80 kilograms of cannabis.
The CFSEU approximates the retail worth of the cigarettes to be around $11 million.
CFSEU stated that they obtained intelligence regarding the suspected drug and contraband tobacco trafficking network, with investigators uncovering connections between the involved individuals and gangs as well as organized crime.
On January 24th and 25th, CFSEU-BC investigators, with support from various units of partner police agencies, conducted seven search warrants in Langley, Abbotsford, Surrey, and Victoria.
“Organized crime groups support their criminal enterprise in various ways, including by dealing in illicit commodities,” said Sgt. Brenda Winpenny in the release.
The search warrants resulted in the seizure of the following items:
- 32 firearms including handguns, assault rifles, and shotguns
- Large quantity of ammunition
- Body Armor
- 10 pallets of contraband Liquor
- 35 pallets of contraband cigarettes – Approximate retail value of $11,000,000
- Approximately a half kilogram of Cocaine
- 80 Kg of Marijuana
- Hydraulic cocaine press and other drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking
- 8 Vehicles – including a stolen Porsche Cayenne
- 1 speedboat
“This investigation resulted in the largest one-time seizure of contraband cigarettes in BC and speaks to CFSEU-BC’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate to disrupt and support the prosecution of those gang-involved individuals who impact public safety and seek to make profits off of illegal commodities,” Winpenny added.
All four individuals arrested have been released pending court proceedings.
