B.C. police seize speedboat, cocaine, $11M in contraband cigarettes
Four suspects have been arrested and released from custody amid a months-long investigation into the trafficking of drugs and contraband tobacco in British Columbia.
The province's anti-gang task force, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, executed seven search warrants late last month on properties in Abbotsford, Langley, Surrey and Victoria, the unit said in a news release Tuesday.
Investigators seized a nine vehicles – including a speedboat and a stolen Porsche Cayenne – as well as nearly three dozen guns, a large quantity of ammunition, 35 pallets of contraband cigarettes, a half-kilogram of cocaine and 80 kilograms of cannabis.
The CFSEU estimates the retail value of the cigarettes at approximately $11 million.
Police also confiscated a hydraulic cocaine press, 10 pallets of contraband liquor and body armour, according to the release.
'Largest one-time seizure of contraband cigarettes in B.C.'
The investigation began in August 2023, when investigators obtained information about an alleged drug and contraband tobacco trafficking network.
Police say the investigation quickly broadened into multiple jurisdictions around B.C.'s Lower Mainland and southern Vancouver Island, involving suspects believed to be connected to organized crime.
"Organized crime groups support their criminal enterprise in various ways, including by dealing in illicit commodities," Sgt. Brenda Winpenny said in the release.
"This investigation resulted in the largest one-time seizure of contraband cigarettes in B.C. and speaks to CFSEU-BC’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate to disrupt and support the prosecution of those gang-involved individuals who impact public safety and seek to make profits off of illegal commodities," she added.
Following the announcement of the seizures, B.C. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth provided a statement to CTV News, saying the provincial government continues to target criminals who profit from "the misery of others."
"Our government is taking action to fight gangs, organized crime, and the criminals who are making and trafficking deadly drugs and firearms," Farnworth said. "This significant seizure, which includes drug manufacturing equipment, a speedboat, stolen vehicles, and assault rifles, is a result of multiple police agencies and the Province coordinating their efforts."
B.C. Finance Minister Katrine Conroy echoed his remarks in a statement saying her ministry's tobacco enforcement team "has done exemplary work" alongside the CFSEU.
"The collaboration that led to this seizure – the largest one-time seizure of contraband cigarettes in B.C. – underscores our government’s dedication to taking on gangs and organized crime," Conroy added.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.