A months-long investigation that spanned southern Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland has resulted in B.C.’s largest one-time seizure of contraband cigarettes — valued at an estimated $11 million — and four arrests, says the provincial police agency that targets gangs.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. said the investigation started last August.
Seized items include about 11.9 million cigarettes filling 35 pallets, 10 pallets of contraband liquor, 32 firearms, a large quantity of ammunition, body armour, eight vehicles, one speedboat, half a kilogram of cocaine, 80 kilograms of marijuana and other items linked to suspected drug trafficking.
The investigation began after the special enforcement unit obtained information about a suspected drug and contraband-tobacco trafficking network.
Police quickly expanded the investigation and it was determined that the suspects involved had connections to gangs and organized crime, the unit said.
Seven search warrants were executed on Jan. 24 and 25 by the unit in Victoria, Surrey, Abbotsford and Langley.
The firearms seized included assault rifles, shotguns and handguns, while a stolen Porsche Cayenne was among the vehicles found.
“Organized-crime groups support their criminal enterprise in various ways, including by dealing in illicit commodities,” said special enforcement unit media officer Sgt. Brenda Winpenny. “Our mandate and ability to work with our partner agencies to investigate across multiple jurisdictions allows us to target gang members and groups who impact public safety in multiple communities.”
Minister of Finance Katrine Conroy said her ministry’s Tobacco Enforcement Team worked with the unit to help make the record cigarette seizure.
“People in British Columbia can have confidence that we will continue to support specialized-enforcement activities to stop criminals from hurting our communities, and fight trafficking of contraband tobacco and toxic, illicit drugs,” she said in a statement.
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said in a statement that help for law-enforcement in such efforts is ongoing “to ensure they have the resources they need to go after criminals who are hurting communities and families, and profiting off the misery of others.”
