Vancouver Police seize $336,000 in drugs, arrest three in Downtown Eastside investigation

Vancouver Police say three men have been arrested following a six-week investigation that uncovered an organized criminal network operating from a Downtown Eastside rooming house. Officers seized more than $330,000 worth of toxic drugs, stolen property, and weapons as part of the operation.

The investigation, launched in August by VPD’s Task Force Barrage, focused on criminal activity around Carrall and East Hastings Street — one of the city’s most crime-affected intersections. Police allege the group used rooms in the West Hotel, a building intended for low-income tenants, to traffic drugs and store stolen goods and weapons.

“Despite a decrease in overall violence in the Downtown Eastside, organized criminals continue to exploit vulnerable residents,” said Sergeant Steve Addison. “These offenders had taken over spaces meant for people who need housing and were using them for illegal activity.”

On September 25, officers executed several search warrants, recovering $35,000 in cash, 2.5 kilograms of illicit drugs including fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and hydromorphone pills, along with $30,000 in stolen retail merchandise. Police also seized nine firearms, 44 knives and swords, body armour, and prohibited firearm accessories.

The three suspects, all men in their 50s and not residents of the Downtown Eastside, were taken into custody. Police say criminal charges are pending as the investigation continues.