Drugs, weapons seized in downtown Vancouver trafficking investigation

Vancouver police shared this image of the seized drugs. (VPD)

Vancouver police say they have arrested three men and seized drugs, weapons and cash from a single-room occupancy hotel in the city’s downtown.

Officers began their investigation, dubbed “Project Atlas,” earlier this month “after observing suspicious activity at the Murray Hotel at 1117 Hornby St.,” the Vancouver Police Department said in a news release Tuesday.

A search warrant resulted in the seizure of 344 grams of fentanyl, 336 grams of cocaine, 75 grams of methamphetamine, an imitation firearm and “various edged weapons,” police said.

The seized drugs have an estimated street value of $86,000, according to police, who also seized $1,300 in cash from the scene.

Three men were arrested and taken to jail before being released on undertakings to appear in court, according to the VPD.

The department did not name any of the arrested men, nor did it say when they are scheduled to appear in court. There are no online court records associated with the VPD file number.

Police described the arrested men as a 37-year-old from Surrey, a 42-year-old from Ontario, and a 46-year-old from Vancouver.

All three were “arrested for possession for the purpose of trafficking,” police said, adding that the Ontario man was also accused of obstructing a peace officer.

The investigation is ongoing, police said.

“Project Atlas highlights the value of proactive policing from our officers,” said Insp. Erin Roulston, in the release.

“Their work resulted in the seizure of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, helping to protect our community from the harms associated with drug trafficking.”