A significant drug bust up-island led to several arrests and two businesses being raided as part of the investigation.
In a significant operation, RCMP federal investigators dismantled a Vancouver Island-based criminal group, arresting six suspects and seizing an extensive inventory of counterfeit cannabis-laced edibles.
The operation targeted an organized crime network allegedly involved in distributing unregulated cannabis, illicit drugs, and contraband tobacco.
Search warrants were executed on October 3rd, at two dispensaries and five residences in Port Alberni and Nanaimo.
Investigators searched Green Coast Dispensary in Port Alberni and Coastal Storm Dispensary in Lantzville, as well as other suspected production and storage sites.
According to RCMP, these locations held thousands of unregulated cannabis-laced candies, chocolate bars, and snacks bearing packaging mimicking popular brands.
Among the items seized were:
- Over 120,000 counterfeit cannabis edibles disguised as brand-name snacks
- 3 kg of psilocybin mushrooms and over 400 psilocybin-infused candies
- More than 500 pounds of cannabis bud and 19 pounds of “shatter” (a concentrated cannabis extract)
- Over 5,000 cannabis vape cartridges, 164 cases of contraband tobacco (totalling 82,000 packs of cigarettes), $400,000 in cash, five vehicles, and two ATMs
- A shotgun and drug paraphernalia
Police noted that the edibles were produced in unsanitary, contaminated modular trailers. Preliminary assessments indicated unknown THC levels and possible cross-contamination with other substances present in the facility. Packaging claimed dangerously high potency levels, some reportedly 100 times stronger than regulated cannabis products.
“Given the highly contaminated and unsanitary conditions of the illicit drug production facility where these cannabis edibles were being produced, it is possible that the consumption of these products can lead to serious health risks,” said Chief Superintendent. Stephen Lee, Deputy Regional Commander – RCMP Federal Policing Program – Pacific Region.
RCMP warned the public to exercise caution if they encounter these products, especially with Halloween approaching, emphasizing potential health risks associated with consuming the unregulated edibles.
The investigation involved coordinated efforts from multiple RCMP Federal Policing units, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit-BC (CFSEU-BC), Criminal Intelligence Service BC (CISBC), Nanaimo and Port Alberni RCMP detachments, and other partner agencies.
The investigation remains active, with multiple drug-related charges anticipated.
