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

The B.C. government says it will invest $600,000 to expand the Provincial Forensic Firearms Laboratory as part of its response to extortion-linked violence and gun crime.

In a news release, the Ministry of Public Safety said the funding is intended to increase the lab’s capacity and speed in processing firearms evidence, helping investigators prioritize high-risk files and supporting coordinated policing strategies. The Province says the lab acts as a centralized firearms intelligence hub that supports investigations across jurisdictions.

The Province said demand for firearms examination and intelligence support has increased since the lab was established in 2021. The government said the lab processed nearly 870 exhibit submissions in 2024, up from 625 in 2023.

The announcement comes as police and governments continue to respond to extortion-linked threats and shootings in parts of the Lower Mainland. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke has urged the federal government to provide stronger leadership and coordination to combat violent extortion, including federal-level action on enforcement and public safety measures.

Source: https://www.surrey.ca/sites/default/files/media/documents/2026-01-21-LTR-Mayor-Locke-to-Min-Anandasangaree-re-Federal-leadership-to-combat-violent-extortion.pdf
Source: B.C. Government news release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026PSSG0003-000061
With files from The Canadian Press.