Vancouver Island, BC -In a significant breakthrough, RCMP Federal Policing investigators in British Columbia have dismantled a major criminal operation on Vancouver Island, leading to the arrest of six individuals believed to be involved in the distribution of illicit drugs, unregulated cannabis, and contraband tobacco. This bust underscores the RCMP’s ongoing commitment to combating organized crime and the illegal drug trade in the region.
On October 3, Pacific Region RCMP executed multiple search warrants across two dispensaries and five residences linked to an organized crime network operating out of Port Alberni and Nanaimo. The raids targeted Green Coast Dispensary in Port Alberni and Coastal Storm Dispensary in Lantzville, along with several other suspected stash sites, a storage facility, and a cannabis production location.
During these operations, investigators seized a vast quantity of counterfeit cannabis edibles, including chocolate bars, candies, and chips, all packaged to resemble well-known name-brand snacks. This tactic, often used to appeal to unsuspecting consumers, raises serious concerns about public safety, particularly among youth. The production site included two modular trailers used for storing, producing, and distributing these illicit goods.
The arrests mark a critical step in curtailing the flow of unregulated cannabis and counterfeit edibles into the public domain. RCMP officials reaffirm their commitment to protecting public health and safety through rigorous enforcement against organized crime.