Date: Friday, March 17, 2023

Files: VicPD 23-8362, Saanich PD 23-4596

Victoria, BC – General Investigation Sections (GIS) officers recovered two handguns, cash and drugs including fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine on Wednesday, March 15 after an investigation targeting organized crime and drug trafficking in the Greater Victoria area which partnered with the Saanich Police Department Street Crime Unit (SPD SCU). Three people were arrested.

The first arrests came as officers with the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT), working with VicPD GIS and SPD SCU, conducted a high-risk vehicle stop at approximately 3:00 pm at Douglas Street and Burnside Road in Victoria. Officers located a small amount of drugs, cash and a .22-caliber handgun with ammunition. Two men were taken into custody. They were later released pending further investigation.

Officers followed-up with a search warrant in the 100-block of Lurline Avenue in Saanich. Additional cash and a significant amount of drugs consistent with trafficking, including fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as prescription drugs and a second handgun with additional ammunition were seized. A stolen bike, valued at approximately $10,000 was also seized. One person was arrested on scene for an outstanding warrant and transported to Saanich Police Department cells for processing.

 

The evidence seized by GIS includes cash, drugs including fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, prescription medication and two handguns with ammunition.

Working in partnership with teams like the Saanich Police Department Street Crime Unit, VicPD’s General Investigative Section continues to target organized crime across Greater Victoria, with a focus on Victoria and Esquimalt.

This incident remains under investigation. If you have information about guns and/or drugs in your neighbourhood, please call the VicPD Report Desk at (250) 995-7654 extension 1, the Saanich Police Department at (250) 475-4321, or Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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