A ten month investigation has led to massive drug busts in Nanaimo, Richmond, and Vancouver.
The investigation involved a coordinated effort from the Nanaimo RCMP, Vancouver Island RCMP, Lower Mainland RCMP, and Vancouver Police. They were investigating the Red Scorpions, an organized criminal group who are involved in the drug culture and have direct ties to Nanaimo.
The investigation led to an initial bust in April, with the seizure of 10 ounces fentanyl and 35-thousand dollars in cash, and the arrest of 4 alleged affiliates of the Red Scorpions in Nanaimo.
And in December, the investigation led to a massive drug bust, with warrants being executed in Nanaimo, Vancouver and Richmond.
Constable Gary O'Brien with the Nanaimo RCMP says a lot was recovered during those raids.
"There was about 30 pounds of dried cannabis, and about 3 kilograms of controlled substances, believed to be cocaine, crystal methamphetamine, and fentanyl. There's also an additional $93,000 in Canadian currency, and a multitude of drug paraphernalia."
He says these raids will be a blow to the Red Scorpions's drug line.
The investigation is ongoing, and those arrested are either currently or waiting to go before the courts.