B.C. announces $600,000 expansion of forensic firearms lab amid extortion-linked violence

The British Columbia government is committing $600,000 to expand its forensic firearms laboratory, saying the investment is aimed at strengthening police efforts as extortion-related violence escalates in parts of the province.

The Ministry of Public Safety says the funding will improve the lab’s capacity and speed in processing firearms evidence tied to gun crime, allowing investigators to prioritize high-risk files and move extortion-related charges through the justice system more quickly. The expanded lab is also expected to generate data that can better support coordinated policing strategies.

The announcement comes amid heightened concern over recent shootings and threats linked to extortion, including 34 reported incidents in Surrey over the past three weeks. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has called on the federal government to appoint a national extortion commissioner, arguing that organized and cross-border elements of the crimes require stronger coordination.

The funding was revealed a day after Premier David Eby publicly criticized RCMP Assistant Commissioner John Brewer, head of the province’s anti-extortion task force, for declining to describe the situation as a crisis. Brewer later apologized, acknowledging that his comments had affected public confidence.

Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger said the lab expansion is one part of the province’s broader response. In a statement, she said the government is focused on ensuring police have the resources and intelligence support needed to hold offenders accountable.

The forensic firearms lab, established in 2021, processed nearly 870 exhibit submissions in 2024, a significant increase from 625 the previous year. The province says demand has grown alongside complex investigations involving firearms and organized crime.