Mounties have raided two homes in Richmond following separate investigations into illegal cannabis operations, seizing a firearm, suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine, and hundreds of pounds of marijuana.
In a release issued Thursday, Richmond RCMP said the first home, an alleged illegal marijuana “brokerage” in the 8000-block of Demorest Drive near Francis and St. Albans roads, was raided on May 7.
There, organized crime unit investigators seized “various items,” including approximately 260 pounds of marijuana and approximately 900 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
Mounties also seized about 400 grams of suspected fentanyl and a firearm.
According to Richmond RCMP, a cannabis brokerage can operate as a distributor for growers of both legal and illegal marijuana.
Mounties also raided an apartment in the 10000-block of River Drive, near No. 4 Road, on May 17, where an alleged illegal cannabis dispensary was operating.
Investigators seized about 167 pounds of bulk and commercially-packaged cannabis, 3.5 kilograms of mushrooms and thousands of commercially-packaged psilocybin-infused edibles, RCMP said.
“At this point, these investigations do not appear to be connected,” reads a statement from Richmond RCMP.
However, Mounties added they continue to receive reports of illegal cannabis operations.
“These operations often have a nexus to organized crime and pose a potential risk to public safety.”
Richmond RCMP said there are signs of potential illegal cannabis operations that the public and landlords can watch for, including strange odours, covered windows and lots of individuals coming and going from the residence.
Anyone who may have witnessed, or who has information regarding the two investigations, is asked to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.solvecrime.ca
