A regional marijuana drug network was broken up Friday morning with the arrest of five alleged drug traffickers in Victoria and Langford.
The month-long undercover investigation, involving the Victoria police Strike Force and Street Crime units and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team, led to evidence of marijuana grow operations at three residences. About five pounds of marijuana and an undisclosed amount of cash was seized, said Const. Mike Russell, Victoria police spokesperson.
Police got a little more than they bargained for the morning of the arrests.
"As the search warrants were being completed, members of the community started to approach our officers, thanking them for their work and for making the neighbourhood a safer place," Russell said.
Two 28-year-old men - both known to police - and a 60-year-old man, all from Victoria, were arrested at a residence in the 1400-block of Finlayson Pl.
A 22-year-old Victoria woman was nabbed in the 2700-block of Gosworth Pl.
A 28-year-old man was arrested by West Shore RCMP in the 1100-block of Goldstream Ave.
Police continue to catalogue evidence and will likely recommend charges relating to production of a scheduled substance and possession of a scheduled substance for the purpose of trafficking. The suspects have all been released from custody.
emccracken@vicnews.com