A joint Vancouver police investigation has resulted in a significant seizure of drugs, guns and explosives at a Langley farm house.
Officers with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit - BC and Vancouver police raided the house on 240th Street in the early morning hours of Nov. 13.
Officers seized a number of items, including two improvised explosive devices, which were detonated by police, nine handguns, three assault rifles and more than 600 rounds of ammunition. Police also seized more than 500 marijuana plants, seven stolen vehicles and bulletproof vests.
Vancouver police Supt. Mike Porteous said seven people, who are all known gang members or gang associates, were arrested and later released as the investigation continues. He said it could be some time before any charges are laid.
Porteous told reporters it appears that the farm house was being used as a “hub” or staging area, where gang members would prepare to carry out violent crimes.
“This would be a staging area where criminals would prepare and get geared up with this kind of gear before they go commit crimes,” he said.
However, he did not identify any one gang in particular.
“This is part of a Lower Mainland gang conflict and it’s difficult to say one gang is involved because there is several in conflict with each other,” Porteous said.
“This is definitely gang activity, it’s hard to figure out one gang in particular because there’s a whole lot of conflicts going on.”
Vancouver police and the special enforcement unit also got assistance from Surrey and Langley RCMP and Abbotsford police. The investigation and seizure is part of the larger combined police effort, dubbed Project Treachery, targeting ongoing gang violence in the Lower Mainland.
“Violent gang members routinely cross jurisdictional boundaries and can impact several communities at once,” said assistant commissioner Kevin Hackett, chief officer of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit. “In order to remain effective we must continue to work in a coordinated, collaborative and regional approach. This investigation is a good example of the CFSEU-BC’s ability to respond to the needs of our partner agencies across the province, and work with them in the interest of public safety.”
The investigation is ongoing and police are asking anyone with information about the house, located at 4096 240th St. in Langley, to contact VPD organized crime investigators at 604-717-0505, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
