Crime Reduction Unit targets drug trafficking

On March 10th, 2024, the Port Alberni RCMP’s Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) executed a search warrant on a residence on North Crescent, in a continued effort to disrupt the sale of illicit drugs in Port Alberni. The Port Alberni RCMP is committed to reducing the number of overdoses affecting our community.

This warrant execution was a proactive enforcement action, as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. Officers located 10 people inside the residence, one of whom had an outstanding warrant for Assault Causing Bodily Harm and two counts of Failing to Appear for Court. During the search, officers seized various amounts of controlled substances and illicit drugs, as well as airsoft guns and machetes.

CRU has executed two search warrants on suspected drug houses thus far in 2024, as well as worked with Front Line Policing to seize large quantities of illicit drugs, destined for the streets.

The importation, production and trafficking of fentanyl has been associated to the involvement of organized crime groups. We are focussed on targeting these groups, which seize upon and exploit all opportunities to profit from the sale of illicit drugs stated Constable Richard Johns. Already this year, officers have seized nearly 1000 individual uses of potentially fatal illicit drugs, hundreds of controlled substances, and approximately $6500, during the course of this project.

Charges have not yet been laid. However, once evidence is processed, investigators will be requesting charges through the Public Prosecution Service.