Victoria police arrest suspected drug trafficker accused of preying on homeless

The suspect was released from custody following a bail hearing on Feb. 26, and no charges have been laid. (Handout)

Police in Victoria say hundreds of grams of fentanyl and crack cocaine were seized this week after officers arrested an alleged drug trafficker believed to be preying on the city’s homeless population.

The three-day investigation saw officers using covert surveillance tactics to monitor the suspect at various supportive housing facilities and in the 900 block of Pandora Avenue, where many of the city’s unhoused people congregate, police said in a statement Friday.

Investigators obtained search warrants for two residences associated with the suspect, one in the 10 block of Menzies Street and the other in the 1400 block of Fort Street, police said.

Members of the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team assisted in raiding the properties, where the suspect was found and arrested.

A search of the residences turned up 236 grams of crack cocaine, 176 grams of fentanyl, 150 hydromorphone pills and 480 packs of contraband cigarettes, police said.

Investigators also seized $22,000 in cash, including $3,000 in coins, according to authorities.

“We remain focused on identifying the criminals who are preying on the most vulnerable people in our community, and taking action to combat these crimes,” Victoria police Chief Del Manak said in the statement.

The suspect was released from custody following a bail hearing on Feb. 26, and no charges have been laid.

“Further details are not available at this time as the investigation is ongoing,” the Victoria Police Department said.