Vancouver police have seized nearly $66,000 worth of illicit drugs, along with cash and weapons, from a single-room occupancy building in the Downtown Eastside following a six-month investigation.
Project Bingo Investigation
According to the Vancouver Police Department, the operation, dubbed Project Bingo, was launched in December after officers noticed suspicious activity at an SRO near East Hastings Street and Princess Avenue. The investigation culminated last month when authorities searched the property and uncovered a significant cache of illegal substances and contraband.
Seized Items
During the search, police recovered 287 grams of fentanyl, 107 grams of cocaine, 549 grams of crystal methamphetamine, and 303 Dilaudid pills. The combined street value of these drugs is estimated at $65,922. Additionally, officers seized 17,200 cigarettes in 86 cartons, valued at approximately $3,300, along with more than $10,300 in Canadian currency.
Weapons found at the scene included a handgun, ammunition, body armour, a prohibited crossbow, swords, and other edged weapons. The seizure highlights the ongoing issues of drug trafficking and violence in the Downtown Eastside neighborhood.
Arrest and Charges
A 61-year-old Vancouver man was arrested at the scene and has since been released as the investigation continues. Police stated that several charges will be recommended to the B.C. Prosecution Service. The case remains under active investigation, and further arrests are possible.
Related Drug Busts
Earlier this month, the VPD announced charges against three individuals following a separate drug bust in a nearby SRO. That operation, which took place last July, resulted in the seizure of over $2 million in street drugs and approximately $141,000 in cash from a unit at 339 East Hastings Street. James William Clapp, Roy Alvin Haynes, and Jose Inacio face multiple drug-related charges.
In March, police searched two additional suites in the same building, believed to be connected to the same drug-trafficking network. The ongoing efforts by law enforcement aim to disrupt the flow of illicit drugs and improve safety in the Downtown Eastside community.
