VicPD has announced the launch of their new covert enforcement initiative, ‘Project 3D,’ with the “D”s in Project 3D standing for “disrupt downtown disorder.”
Police say that the covert operation is now two-days in and has already resulted in 16 arrests, with drug trafficking being the focus of the operation.
Overall, VicPD says that the initiative is utilizing a combination of strategies, which include high-visibility patrols, targeted surveillance and undercover operations.
The operation is being carried out in partnership with City of Victoria bylaw officers to target those who frequent Pandora Avenue, Centennial Square, Ellice Street, Queens Avenue, Princess Avenue, Mason Street and more.
VicPD included three notable files in their media release.
The first police file under this initiative saw a man arrested for allegedly trafficking cocaine while seated in a chair, which police say was directly in front of an Island Health supervised consumption site in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue.
Police say officers initiated two separate purchases from the man.
The second file took place on the second day, in which a man was arrested after allegedly being observed dealing fentanyl in the 900-block of Mason Street. Police say the same man was also arrested for trafficking cocaine on the first day of the project in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue.
The third file involved an individual who VicPD claim is a violent repeat offender with two outstanding warrants from the mainland, who recently moved to Victoria.
Police say undercover officers located the man in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue and he was arrested. He is being held in custody pending his court appearance.
“This project is a critical, sustained effort focused on addressing what we continue to hear from the community is their number one concern: downtown street disorder,” said Chief Del Manak.
“These proactive, targeted interventions are essential to disrupting the cycle of problematic behaviour and creating a safer, more welcoming downtown for everyone.”
With these arrests being made, VicPD is working to secure drug trafficking charges and court-ordered conditions that would ban the suspects from returning to the targeted areas.
According to VicPD, their operation has thus far been met with positivity from downtown businesses. VicPD says that their Community Resource Officers will be connecting with businesses on an ongoing basis to identify challenges.
