Vancouver police arrest five people in connection with gang investigation in Quebec

VANCOUVER – After a lengthy investigation into a Quebec-based gang, Vancouver police have arrested five men and recovered more than 24 kilograms of illegal drugs.

A department statement said members of the gang known as Area 43 began operating in Vancouver and were the subject of a 14-month investigation by the organized crime unit.

The statement shows that investigators served five search warrants in May – three in Vancouver and two in Burnaby.

Police are said to have recovered a large quantity of drugs, including seven kilograms of fentanyl, 11 kilograms of cocaine and two kilograms of methamphetamine.

Investigators also seized two handguns and more than $150,000 in cash.

Police say the five men who were arrested and others identified during the investigation will face “numerous drug and criminal charges” once the investigation is completed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 11, 2024

Canadian Press