Former Surrey mayor asks for action to counter the extortion crisis 

January 20,2026

RED FM News Desk

In a letter written to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General of British Columbia Nina Krieger and federal Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree ,former Surrey mayor Dough McCallum is calling for immediate joint provincial–federal funding to address what he describes as an escalating extortion crisis marked by shootings and intimidation targeting residents and businesses. 

The request centres on creating a dedicated Surrey-focused public safety package that includes a police helicopter, advanced surveillance and investigative technology, and a specialized extortion response fund. The former mayor argues that while the creation of the Surrey Police Service improved local policing capacity, the scale and mobility of organized, foreign-funded extortion networks now require additional resources. 

According to Surrey Police Service data cited in the letter, investigators had handled more than 30 extortion cases by mid-January, averaging roughly two reports per day in early 2026. The letter argues that offenders exploit limited shared air support across Metro Vancouver and move quickly between municipalities, making the lack of dedicated aerial coverage in Surrey a significant operational gap. 

The proposal calls for a multi-year commitment to acquire or lease a police helicopter, along with long-term operating funding. It also outlines a package of policing technologies, including expanded automatic license plate recognition, tactical drones with night and thermal capabilities, gunshot detection pilots in high-risk areas, and enhanced digital forensics capacity focused on extortion investigations. 

The letter further proposes a jointly funded Surrey Extortion Response Fund with provincial and federal matching contributions, public reporting requirements, oversight safeguards, and measurable outcomes tied to crime disruption and victim protection. 

The former mayor notes that both levels of government have previously supported targeted funding programs to address specific security threats and argues that a similar approach is needed in Surrey. He is urging provincial and federal officials to convene local leaders and police within 30 days to develop and announce a funding agreement with clear timelines for deployment.