VPD seize $3 million in drugs, guns and cash from Vancouver crime ring

Three arrests have been made, and police say more are likely on the way, after a year-long investigation draws to a close.

Vancouver Police Department Organized Crime’s Phil Heard claims a Vancouver-based crime ring had been fueling the city’s toxic drug market, with the operation’s business even stretching out of province.

“We are committed to rooting out organized and predatory criminals who manufacture and produce the harmful street drugs that kill vulnerable people in our communities,” says Heard.

“This seizure has disrupted business for a criminal organization and made life a bit safer for people struggling with illicit substance use.”

Related articles:

• Chilliwack RCMP arrests two in drug bust

• Alleged B.C. drug trafficking operation shut down, police say

• Body cameras ‘good news’ for policing, public safety, VPD says

The year-long operation, dubbed ‘Project Torque,’ had its sights set on a drug trafficking group disguising fentanyl pills as generic Percocet — a mixture of acetaminophen and oxycodone.

Police say their search resulted in seizing 72 kilograms of the disguised fentanyl pills, along with 16.5 kilograms of cocaine, 88 kilograms of cutting agents, and more.

Investigators add that their seizures weren’t limited to just drugs either, their haul included handguns, ammunition, body armour, and $123,000 in cash.

So far, three arrests have been made, but VPD says they anticipate more charges will be handed out before this investigation is all said and done.