Three men arrested in BC with suspected ties to Mexican drug cartels: RCMP

RCMP say they have arrested three men in British Columbia believed to be linked to Mexican drug cartels and involved in the importation of cocaine into Canada.

Federal police investigators in the province say they, along with the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team (ERT), executed a search warrant at a home in Surrey on September 23 and arrested the three suspects.

During the execution, investigators discovered that the home was surrounded by composite fencing, steel fencing and barbed wire. The entry doors were completely covered by metal shutters and the interior and exterior of the home were equipped with video and audio surveillance systems, RCMP said in a news release.

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Investigators seized 23 firearms, including 10 handguns, nine assault rifles, two shotguns, two hunting rifles, silencers and several thousand rounds of ammunition; illegal drugs, including several pounds of fentanyl, methamphetamine, ketamine and a variety of other opioids; $15,000 in cash and police-issued clothing.

“This enforcement action was part of the RCMP Federal Policing Program's shared responsibility to protect the Canadian border from transnational organized crime, and in this case, prevent the importation of cocaine into Canada by organized crime groups linked to Mexican drug cartels” , said Chief Supt. Stephen Lee, deputy regional commander of the RCMP Federal Policing Program in the Pacific Region, said in a statement.

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RCMP said no charges have yet been laid in the case, but numerous drug and gun-related charges are pending.

For those who may be struggling with addiction, anyone can seek help through the BC Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service Line at 1-800-663-1441.

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