Guns, cocaine, opioids seized in police raids; 3 arrested

The Mohawk cemetary is seen Thursday, June 18, 2015 in Kanesatake, Que. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

A joint police service operation resulted in the seizure of guns, cash, cocaine and opioids, in addition to three arrests in Mascouche and Kanesatake.

Quebec provincial police (SQ), Montreal police (SPVM), and the Kahnawake Peacekeepers searched four locations in the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) community of Kanestake, as well as the municipalities of Oka and Mascouche, north of Montreal.

An SQ news release said the SPVM began an illegal firearms trafficking investigation in May with weapons originating in the U.S.

The following was seized on Wednesday:

• 13 firearms;
• High-capacity magazines;
• Batches of ammunition;
• More than $20,000 in cash;
• A bulletproof vest;
• Cocaine;
• Opioids.

The three arrested individuals are expected to appear at the St-Jérôme courthouse on firearms and drug trafficking charges.

“This operation demonstrates the concerted effort and ongoing collaboration between the various police forces involved,” the SQ said.

The RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency also contributed in the investigation.