Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Chilliwack RCMP Superintendent Davy Lee speaks during a news conference Wednesday morning (Apr. 17) in Chilliwack. Chilliwack RCMP say their Drug Section personnel executed a series of search warrants in various cities with the assistance of teams from the Vancouver PD and Lower Mainland RCMP, including one at a downtown Chilliwack apartment, following a comprehensive drug trafficking investigation that spanned several months.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Drug seizure

Police execute search warrant at Chilliwack apartment as part of multi-agency seizure of drugs, firearms and currency

Apr 17, 2024 | 10:50 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack RCMP say their Drug Section personnel executed a series of search warrants in various cities with the assistance of teams from the Vancouver PD and Lower Mainland RCMP, including a raid at a downtown Chilliwack apartment, following a comprehensive drug trafficking investigation that spanned several months.

According to a news release from police, the seizure resulted in over $500,000 in Canadian currency and millions worth of cocaine, fentanyl, and fentanyl, along with four handguns, three long guns and four vehicles totalling $300,000 in value.

“The Chilliwack RCMP Drug Section worked tirelessly, using various investigative and covert techniques to disrupt and dismantle a sophisticated drug trafficking network. As a result, a substantial quantity of illicit substances have been confiscated. This investigation represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect our communities from the devastating impact of drug use,” said Superintendent Davy Lee of the Chilliwack RCMP. “The results of this multi-jurisdictional project are an example of our commitment to disrupting the flow of drugs into our neighborhoods and to holding those who seek to profit from the suffering of others accountable. We remain dedicated to addressing the root causes of drug trafficking and continue to work hard to keep our communities safe.”

Police say that on March 27, 2024, the Chilliwack RCMP Drug Section executed a series of coordinated search warrants with the assistance of the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team, the Vancouver Police Department Organized Crime Section, Langley RCMP, Surrey RCMP and Richmond RCMP. This came after what police say were “meticulous investigative efforts” as a result of a seven months-long drug trafficking investigation that began in July of 2023.

Search warrants were executed at various locations throughout the Lower Mainland, including:

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• An apartment in downtown Chilliwack;
• A residence in the Collingwood neighbourhood of Vancouver;
• A single residence in the Grandview heights neighbourhood of Surrey;
• An apartment in the East Clayton Neighbourhood of Surrey;
• A basement suite in the Fraser Heights neighbourhood of Surrey;
• Two residences in the Willowbrook neighbourhood of Langley; and
• Seven vehicles associated to the above locations.

All of the search warrants resulted in the seizure of a substantial amount of drugs, money, and firearms, including over $500,000 in Canadian currency, over 8 kgs of suspected cocaine equal to over 80,000 doses, over 14 kgs of suspected fentanyl (over 144,000 doses), and over 27 kgs of suspected meth equaling over 270,000 doses. The aggregate value of the seized narcotics is estimated at $5 million.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Police showcase the massive quanitites of coke, meth and fentanyl that were seized following a months-long drug trafficking investigation.

Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove thanked police for their efforts in rooting out a multi-million dollar drug ring.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove thanked police and every jurisdiction that was involved in the multi-agency drug seizure.

“I want to thank the leadership of our team here,” Mayor Popove said. “I know we got a great drug team at this end of the valley. It’s a great day for the Lower Mainland. I’m sure there are some very unhappy people out there that were intending on profiting from this seizure. Again, it keeps the drugs off the streets. These folks out there that think they can get away with these kind of things, well, you got another thing coming. I want to thank everybody involved, all the jurisdictions that were part of this major seizure, and keep up the good work. I want to thank each and every one of you. Thank you.”

Police say seven individuals ranging in age from 21 years to 40 years old were arrested and have been released pending further investigative efforts. Additional investigative steps are required in order to submit a thorough report to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for charge assessment.