Mounties seize cannabis, submachine guns in B.C. investigation

Mounties say they have dismantled a large drug distribution ring in Metro Vancouver, seizing automatic weapons and hundreds of kilograms of illicit cannabis.

Mounties say they have dismantled a large drug distribution ring in Metro Vancouver, seizing automatic weapons and hundreds of kilograms of illicit cannabis.

A news release from the Surrey RCMP says the investigation began in early September, when investigators seized four large boxes of cannabis from a shipping business in the city.

Later that month, police intercepted a second shipment of cannabis at the same north Surrey business, discovering approximately 77 kilograms of vacuum-sealed cannabis inside, according to the release.

Evidence reportedly pointed investigators to a residence in the 300 block of Stevens Drive in West Vancouver, where police executed a search warrant on Oct. 10.

Police say a 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene and officers seized three submachine guns, three shotguns and more than 315 kilograms of dried cannabis.

Investigators also seized $145,000 in cash, four kilograms of psilocybin and more than 1,000 psilocybin chocolate bars from the residence, according to the release.

"Illegal cannabis is not tested or quality-controlled and may contain harmful levels of contaminants," Surrey RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha said in the release, adding the investigation is still ongoing.