Vancouver Police Crack Down on Criminal Network in DTES

International Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-10-22 19:57:47 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-13 22:50:49

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In a significant operation, the Vancouver Police Department has dealt a substantial blow to a criminal network operating in the heart of the city's Downtown Eastside (DTES). A six-week investigation, codenamed Task Force Barrage, has led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of a vast array of illicit items, including drugs, weapons, and stolen goods.

The investigation focused on the area around Carrall and East Hastings streets, a hotspot for violent crime in Vancouver. Officers discovered that the West Pub and the West Hotel, intended for low-income residents, had become a hub for criminal activity. The hotel rooms, rented by organized criminals, were not used as living spaces but as storage for a shocking collection of illegal items.

The raid on September 25 yielded a substantial cache of contraband, including $35,000 in cash, 2.5 kg of illicit drugs with a street value of $336,000, and a wide array of weapons. Among the weapons were 44 knives, machetes, swords, a taser, nine guns, 200 rounds of ammunition, body armour, and prohibited firearm accessories. The police also recovered $30,000 worth of stolen clothing and merchandise.

Sgt. Steve Addison emphasized the impact of this operation, stating, "We've dismantled an organized criminal network that was exploiting vulnerable housing meant for our low-income community members." This successful raid is a significant step in addressing the concerns of criminal activity in the DTES, particularly the issue of valuable housing being misused by organized crime. The investigation highlights the ongoing challenges in this area and the need for sustained efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

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