The Surrey RCMP Drug Unit dismantled what they say was a sizeable illicit cannabis distribution group, seizing cannabis, cash, psilocybin, and firearms.
The investigation began in early September 2024, when Surrey RCMP responded to a report of an illicit distribution of cannabis. Police say that frontline officers attended a shipping business at the time located in north Surrey and seized four large boxes of cannabis.
Following this, the Surrey RCMP Drug Unit took over the investigation and on September 29, 2024, officers intercepted a second shipment at the same shipping location. Police seized 170 lbs. of vacuum-sealed cannabis.
Then, on October 10, 2024, the Surrey RCMP Drug Unit, with assistance from the Surrey Gang Enforcement Team, executed a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of Stevens Drive, in West Vancouver. A 29-year-old man was arrested, and officers seized the following items:
- $145,000 cash
- 1000+ chocolate psilocybin bar
- 4 kg of psilocybin
- 700 lbs. of dried cannabis (various stages of packaging)
- 3 shotguns
- 3 submachine guns
- Ammunition
The investigation is ongoing.
“Illegal cannabis is not tested or quality controlled and may contain harmful levels of contaminants,” says Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha Media Relations Officer Surrey RCMP.
“Targeting offenders involved in the illegal drug trade in our community continues to be a top priority for the Surrey RCMP Drug Unit, added Cpl. Sangha.
In another case, in May, the BC Civil Forfeiture Office began civil forfeiture proceedings against two properties following investigations into the sale and distribution of illicit cannabis by a company operating in Surrey, BC.
The initial investigations by Surrey RCMP into the illicit sales and distribution of cannabis took place from April 2020 to February 2022. The two properties are located in Maple Ridge and Mission.
The BC government filed its fourth unexplained wealth order (UWO) application in September 2024, seeking to seize $5.6 million worth of properties connected to what police say was a large, illegal cannabis production and distribution business.
