Nearly $4 million worth of drugs seized in Burnaby RCMP trafficking investigation

Burnaby RCMP seized more than 97 kilograms worth of illicit drugs earlier this month. (Burnaby RCMP)

Police in Burnaby say they seized nearly $4 million worth of drugs while executing a search warrant in New Westminster earlier this month.

The Burnaby RCMP Gang Enforcement Team conducted the search on Dec. 17, the detachment said in a news release Tuesday. It did not specify where in New Westminster the search occurred.

Investigators seized more than 97 kilograms of drugs, along with $70,000 in cash and “illicit drug cooking materials and money counters,” according to Burnaby RCMP.

The seized drugs included 41 kilograms of methamphetamine, 41 kilograms of the cannabis concentrate known as “shatter,” 15 kilograms of cocaine and a small amount—just 30 grams—of fentanyl.

Police said the seizures followed a six-month investigation.

A 29-year-old man was taken into custody during the search and faces “numerous potential charges,” police said. They did not name the man, and no charges have been laid against him so far.

“The production and trafficking of drugs is not a victimless crime,” said Insp. Matt Toews, investigative services officer for Burnaby RCMP, in the release.

“We see its devastating effects daily. The number of potential lives saved as a result of this seizure is immeasurable and the amount of illicit drugs taken off the street is astounding. I am very proud of our Gang Enforcement Team but also know there is still a lot of work ahead before this investigation can be moved to the charge approval stage.”