Maple Ridge RCMP seize fentanyl and meth in multiple operations

Maple Ridge RCMP say officers seized fentanyl, crystal meth and cocaine after recently receiving a tip about drug dealing in Maple Ridge. The RCMP Strike Force Unit arrested two people for possession of a controlled substance after finding large prepackaged quantities of drugs, along with cash and phones. Police said the unit’s proactive enforcement has produced multiple positive results in the community.

Officers also stopped a vehicle and found prepackaged drugs, unstamped tobacco and weapons inside, including an airsoft gun and a large knife. Police said the officers have so far generated 20 files, stopped 23 vehicles, executed seven arrest warrants, and made six drug seizures and three weapons seizures.

During a four-day period between late June and early July, the unit seized more than 100 grams of fentanyl, 45 grams of methamphetamine, 43 grams of MDMA and 20 grams of crack cocaine during proactive patrols targeting suspected drug dealers. Police said six people were arrested for alleged drug trafficking offences, along with two others on outstanding warrants. One person arrested with a substantial amount of drugs is being held under the Immigration Act pending an immigration hearing and possible deportation.

In August, officers seized a further 28 grams of methamphetamine while executing a search warrant at a local apartment complex. The officers typically do more plainclothes work, but some unit members have recently taken on more visible projects intended to deter and disrupt violent crime through proactive enforcement, condition checks and targeted patrols. Police also identified and arrested multiple known offenders with outstanding warrants, as well as others driving despite prohibited driving notices.

The unit also assisted other police agencies with several high-priority files spanning multiple jurisdictions. Officers quickly identified a prolific property thief after attending the person’s residence and promptly recovered a victim’s stolen identification cards shortly after the offence.

Maple Ridge RCMP said residents can expect to see the uniformed officers patrolling local streets, complementing the work of frontline officers and the Road Safety Target Team (RSTT), as well as foot and bicycle patrols by the Crime Reduction Unit (CRU). Police reminded the public to report all crime and suspicious activity through the non-emergency number, 604-463-6251, or the online crime reporting tool. Doing so helps police prioritize service calls and gather as much information as possible about an issue.

Maple Ridge RCMP’s Community Safety Dashboards are also available and updated monthly with statistics and policing and public safety data.