2 major drug investigations lead to significant seizures across Greater Victoria

A loaded firearm, fentanyl, cocaine, cash and even a bulletproof vest were among the items seized during two separate drug investigations in Greater Victoria.

West Shore RCMP and VicPD say the investigations targeted alleged drug trafficking activity in Victoria and Langford. While unrelated, the investigations resulted in substantial drug seizures and arrests.

VicPD say an ongoing investigation by the department’s Strike Force Unit led to the arrest of a man in the 500-block of Dunedin Street on May 27th.

According to VicPD, officers seized fentanyl, methamphetamine, a loaded firearm and cash when the man was arrested.

The following day, investigators obtained a search warrant for a property in the 2400-block of Eastdowne Road. Members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team took a woman into custody while officers searched the residence.

Police said the search resulted in the seizure of additional fentanyl and methamphetamine, along with cocaine, a replica firearm and a bulletproof vest.

In total, VicPD estimates the drugs seized have a street value of up to $150,000.

The man arrested on Dunedin Street remains in custody and is facing several drug related charges. The woman arrested at the Eastdowne Road property has since been released, with charges being recommended.

In a separate investigation, West Shore RCMP announced the results of a months-long drug trafficking probe centred on two residences in Langford.

Police said the investigation began in February after officers became aware of an alleged drug trafficking operation operating out of the homes.

On May 15th, members of the West Shore RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Unit, Serious Crime Unit and the Vancouver Island Emergency Response Team executed search warrants at both properties.

During the searches, officers seized more than $10,000 in cash, several ounces of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, thousands of unidentified pills believed to be narcotics, drug packaging and processing materials, three replica handguns and numerous edged weapons.

Among the weapons seized were a machete, throwing knives, a hatchet and several other knives.

A 43-year-old man was arrested in connection with the investigation. No charges have been laid at this time and the investigation remains ongoing.

“Our unit will continue to target those involved in the drug trade,” said Cpl. Kevin Pollock of the West Shore RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Unit.

“The seizure of drugs, cash and replica firearms from the two residences is another example of our ongoing efforts to disrupt the drug trade in the West Shore.”

Anyone with information related to the Victoria investigation is asked to contact VicPD, while those with information related to the Langford investigation can contact West Shore RCMP.