Over the past three months, Prince George RCMP’s Street Crew Unit has led multiple investigations targeting individuals and groups involved in trafficking drugs in Prince George.
Controlled Drugs and Substance Act search warrants were executed at various residences throughout the city, resulting in substantial seizures of illicit and prescription drugs, as well as cash.
One investigation resulted in the seizure of more than 10,000 individual pills, including gabapentin, hydromorphone, codeine and dextroamphetamine. In addition to the prescription drugs, investigators also seized large quantities of suspected fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine.
A second investigation resulted in seizures of over two kilograms of suspected cocaine and methamphetamine, and more cash. Investigators also seized thousands more prescription pills, including oxycodone, morphine and more hydromorphone.
Morphine and hydromorphone (also known as dilaudid) are safe supply prescription drugs.
RCMP have noted an alarming trend over the last year in the amount prescription drugs located during drug trafficking investigations. They are being used as a form of currency to purchase more potent, illicit street drugs. Organized crime groups are actively involved in the redistribution of safe supply and prescription drugs, some of which are then moved out of British Columbia and resold. The reselling of prescription drugs significantly increases the profits realized by Organized Crime, Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP, said
Police are warning the public that the misuse of prescription medication by anyone is extremely dangerous.
Prince George RCMP encourages the public to report any suspicious activity in their area.
If you have any information about this or any other criminal offence, please contact the Prince George RCMP at (250)561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1(800)222-8477 or online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca (English only). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers. If you provide information that leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, you could be eligible for a cash reward.
