Quebec police launch coordinated crackdown on business extortion and gang drug‑gun crime

Police forces across Quebec have unveiled two joint initiatives to combat organized crime. The Project UNIS strategy, announced on 30 April, brings together the Sûreté du Québec, Montreal, Laval and Longueuil police services to curb the rise of extortion targeting merchants throughout the greater Montreal area. The plan emphasizes increased police visibility, intelligence sharing and outreach to business owners, with officers scheduled to visit establishments in Laval and other municipalities to offer security advice and encourage reporting.

In parallel, a multi‑agency task force operating under the CENTAURE plan carried out raids on 13 May in Longue‑Rive, Haute‑Côte‑Nord. About 70 officers from the Sûreté du Québec, RCMP, Montreal police, Canada Border Services Agency and the Quebec City police targeted an organization linked to the North Savage Gang, suspected of drug trafficking and illegal firearms distribution. The operation aims to disrupt the gang’s supply chain and reduce gun‑related violence, and includes a public tip line for further leads.