Coquitlam RCMP is informing the public of an investigation by Coquitlam RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Section that resulted in the crucial seizure of firearms, drugs, cash and luxury vehicles.

In September 2020, Coquitlam RCMP received information about an alleged drug trafficking network that prompted the Coquitlam Drugs and Organized Crime Section to start an intensive, in-depth investigation. After a thorough multi-jurisdictional investigation, police obtained seven search warrants that were executed between April and December of 2021.

Coquitlam RCMP would like to thank the Vancouver Police Department, Richmond RCMP, Lower Mainland District Integrated Units, and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), for assisting with the execution of the search warrants, says Superintendent Keith Bramhill Officer in Charge Coquitlam detachment.

Supporting partner police agencies like the Coquitlam RCMP is integral to CFSEU-BC’s mandate to disrupt gang and organized crime activity in British Columbia, says Staff Sergeant Lindsey Houghton, NCO in charge of Community and Public Affairs, CFSEU-BC. This Coquitlam RCMP-led investigation has taken dangerous drugs and firearms off the streets of our communities and will help hold individuals accountable for their blatant disregard for the safety of the public. Multiple police agencies contributing to the overall success of any investigation reflects a collective commitment to combatting organized crime and has a significant impact on deterring criminal and violent behavior.

The evidence seized during the search included:

3 kilograms of suspected Fentanyl,

5.4 kilograms of suspected Cocaine,

866 grams of suspected methamphetamine,

1.8 kilograms of suspected MDMA,

828.5 grams of suspected Ketamine,

One-hundred suspected Oxy pills,

Two-hundred assorted pills,

8 kilograms Cutting agent,

Fifty-one thousand suspected counterfeit Xanax pills,

Twelve semi-automatic carbines, eleven handguns, magazines, and ammunition,

Over 164,000 dollars in cash,

Four luxury vehicles: 2017 Jeep Cherokee SRT, 2018 Audi A7, 2019 Infinity Q50 and a 2021 Audi SQ5.

Five Coquitlam residents, three men and two women in their mid-twenties were arrested on December 8, 2021, and later released pending charge approval. All five individuals are known to police and are linked to the Lower Mainland Gang Conflict.

Superintendent Keith Bramhill also wants to reassure the citizens of Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam that although this seizure is concerning it does not take away from the general safety and low crime rates that we enjoy every day in our cities. Nor does it over shadow the efforts of police working in partnership with our citizens, community volunteers, and multi-agency partners who promote public safety. Targeting criminals and violent behaviour will continue to be a priority in our communities.