Mexican drug cartel-linked group in Surrey raided by RCMP

Three people have been arrested after federal RCMP investigators busted an alleged transnational organized crime group that Mounties believe to be connected to Mexican drug cartels.

In a statement on Wednesday, the BC RCMP says the three men arrested are believed to be involved “in the importation of cocaine into Canada.”

“Investigators have also seized 23 firearms, several thousand rounds of ammunition, multi-kilos of illicit drugs, and other items located at the criminal group’s heavily fortified headquarters in Surrey, BC,” Corp. Arash Seyed explained.

Seyed said that the bust happened on Sept. 23 of this year, when Mounties did a search of the house. Three suspects were arrested at the time in relation to their alleged involvement in the drug trafficking.

“During the warrant execution, investigators discovered the residence to be surrounded by compound fencing, steel gates, and razor wires. The entry doors were fully covered by metal shutters, with the interior and exterior of the residence being equipped with video and audio monitoring systems,” Seyed added.

During the search, police found 23 firearms, including handguns, assault rifles, shotguns, silencers, and thousands of rounds of ammunition; fentanyl, methamphetamine, ketamine, and other opioids; and $15,000 in cash along with what police describe as “law-enforcement issued apparel.”

“This enforcement action was part of the RCMP Federal Policing program’s joint responsibility of protecting Canada’s border from transnational organized crime, and in this case preventing the importation of cocaine into Canada by organized crime groups associated to Mexican drug cartels,” said Chief Supt. Stephen Lee.

Speaking to media Wednesday, Seyed said of the three suspects, one is a Mexican national, and the other two men are Canadian citizens — and Surrey residents — with alleged connections to “numerous local gangs in B.C.”

He says police first became aware of the group in 2021.

“They’re one of the main Mexican drug cartel groups,” said Seyed. “And as a matter of fact, this drug operation was disrupted as a result of the arrest of one of their main leaders in the United States over the summer.”

He clarified that the operation is not believed to be connected to an illicit drug “superlab” that federal RCMP officers raided in B.C.’s Interior in October.

Seyed claims the arrests have prevented Mexican drug cartels from gaining a foothold in the province.

He says the suspects have since been released, but the RCMP is pursuing numerous drug and firearms-related charges.

Mounties add that the investigation is ongoing. Police are set to speak to the media on Wednesday at 11 a.m. to provide more information. You can watch CityNews 24/7 live or listen live to 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver to keep up to date with this story. You can also subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.