Burnaby RCMP recovers high-value stolen eyewear during search at local residence

Burnaby RCMP say officers uncovered a large cache of stolen designer eyewear while carrying out a search warrant linked to a separate investigation last week. Members of the Investigative Support Team discovered eight boxes holding more than 100 pairs of sunglasses and prescription frames, many still tagged for retail sale at stores across the Lower Mainland.

Police report that some of the price tags helped investigators identify the items as stolen merchandise from multiple businesses. One item carried a price of more than one thousand dollars, and several others were valued in the hundreds, though the total worth of the recovered eyewear has not yet been determined.

Officers also found approximately five grams of a powdered substance believed to be fentanyl stored among the eyewear. RCMP say the discovery raises concerns about public safety if the products had been resold in the community.

In a statement, Cpl. Mike Kalanj said it is not uncommon for investigators to come across additional criminal activity when executing search warrants. He noted that officers are now working with local retailers to return as many items as possible to their rightful owners.

Police have not released details about the investigation that led to the warrant, citing privacy considerations and the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing case.