B.C.'s gang enforcement task force seized drugs, weapons and cash during an anti-gang blitz in the region last weekend.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C.'s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team was in Prince George and Quesnel from Nov. 12 to Nov. 14, to support local RCMP's efforts to combat gang violence.
"The main goal of the partnership was to enhance the safety of the public by aggressively disrupting the actions of individuals who choose to involve themselves in drug-related activity and the violence connected to it," a statement released by the RCMP on Friday said. "During these shifts, UGET officers conducted many checks of persons known to be involved in criminal activity and in doing so seized large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl, along with thousands of dollars in cash, and numerous weapons including two firearms."
Between the two cities, the unit stopped 130 vehicles, checked 160 people and seized more than two-dozen weapons. Weapons seized included two firearms, ammunition, a crossbow, a machete, two conducted-energy weapons, brass knuckles, three batons, bear spray, a hatchet, two replica pistols and a dozen knives.
Officers also seized $10,000 in cash.
"Violence is fuelled by the drug trade," the RCMP statement said. "Regardless of these positive results, the residents of Prince George and our neighbours in Quesnel need to stay vigilant and report incidents to the police as soon as possible. Violent offenders show no regard for public safety and the public plays a crucial role in making our communities safe."
Anyone with information about local drug or gang activity is asked to call the Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300. Tips can also be made anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or online at www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca.
