July 24, 2025
RED FM News Desk
The Vancouver Police Department’s (VPD) Task Force Barrage has seized over 14 kilograms of illicit drugs and more than $2 million in cash and illegal substances in the Downtown Eastside, significantly disrupting a violent criminal network.
During the July 17 search warrant execution, nineteen individuals were taken into custody. They have since been released, pending the completion of the investigation, at which point police anticipate criminal charges will be laid.
“This neighborhood continues to be the epicenter for serious crime, overdoses, and toxic drug deaths in our province – and that crisis is fueled by predatory drug dealers, gang members, and other criminals who profit off those whose life circumstances have brought them to the neighborhood,” stated Inspector Gary Hiar, commanding officer of Task Force Barrage.
Despite this major seizure, Inspector Hiar acknowledged the ongoing challenge: “This is just a temporary disruption in the Downtown Eastside drug trade, and other criminal organizations are already moving in to fill the void created by this major drug seizure. That means our work is not done.”
Task Force Barrage was established by the VPD in February to combat violence, dismantle criminal networks, and enhance safety in the Downtown Eastside by increasing police presence and targeting violent offenders.
In April, the task force launched an investigation into a group of drug dealers believed to be operating from a building near East Hastings Street and Gore Avenue. Following a three-month probe, officers executed a search warrant at 339 East Hastings Street on July 17. This operation led to the seizure of over $2 million in drugs and cash, along along with multiple weapons.
The substantial seizure included $141,000 in Canadian and US currency, 5.5 kilograms of cocaine, with nearly 4 kilograms being raw and uncut, 5.3 kilograms of crystal meth, 3.2 kilograms of raw and processed fentanyl and 1,594 pills, including methadone and Dilaudid.
Inspector Hiar emphasized the impact of the seizure, noting that “this single investigation represents more than 190,000 single doses of illicit drugs taken off the streets, and more than $2 million in profit out of the hands of drug dealers in the Downtown Eastside. That’s potentially thousands of overdoses prevented, and thousands of lives saved.”
Loading ...
