Police conduct drug raids and retail theft crackdowns in Canada

Law enforcement agencies in Canada have conducted significant operations targeting narcotics trafficking and retail theft.

In Gaspésie, the Sûreté du Québec executed searches across New-Richmond, Cascapédia St-Jules, Gesgapegiag, and Campbellton. The operation involved ten residences and 19 vehicles, resulting in the seizure of approximately $110,000 in Canadian currency and $13,000 in US currency. Authorities also recovered 20 hunting weapons, 5 handguns, 1 long gun, 1,000 grams of dried cannabis, 530 grams of cocaine, and 1,500 prescription medications. Seven individuals, aged 28 to 39, were arrested for drug trafficking. Two men, Tyson Shawn Astels and Corey Wiinikainen, remain in custody following their appearance in New Carlisle.

In Coquitlam, British Columbia, the RCMP conducted a four-day retail theft enforcement operation in partnership with the Organized Retail Crime Association of British Columbia. The initiative resulted in 31 arrests and 34 charge recommendations. Officers recovered $6,190 in stolen property and seized two alleged weapons. The operation utilized intelligence-led policing to target various retail locations as part of a national shoplifting blitz.