Prince George, B.C.- The Province has pumped another $66 million into the Guns and Gangs strategy that will keep 168 anti-gang  officer positions working for another 3 years.  

Established in 2009, the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is being credited with reducing gang activity throughout B.C.

Some of the highlights of the work over the past year include:

·        the Prince George team seized 26 weapons and arrested a fully armed and body-armour-clad suspect, preventing a  targeted shooting.

·        over 15 months, the 18-member Cariboo Region Integrated Marijuana Enforcement (CRIME) Task Force seized nearly 120,000 marijuana plants on 70 properties, leading to charges against 78 suspects.

·        472 firearms recovered last year throughout the Province, of that number,  314 have confirmed links to crime.

·        Put the Kelowna Hells Angels in disarray after two full patch members were among 7 arrested in connection with the death of a Kelowna man

·        Reduced gang related deaths

·        Significantly disrupted the United Nations gang and the Red Scorpions through the arrest and detainment of many of their leaders.

·        Checked 13,432 people with suspected gang ties over 19 months – an  average of more than 700 person checks a month – as well as 14,730 vehicles and 468 curfews of those on probation orders.

o This work resulted in 382 subjects arrested over a 12-month period 

“Dangerous and deliberate behaviour can potentially cost the lives of innocent people," says Chief Officer Dan Malo, Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia. "Working to arrest those involved in violent organized crime activity, mitigate gang rivalry and the seizure of illegal firearms is some of the most important work we can do to keep British Columbians safe. It takes many skilled officers in many communities, working together to make it happen, and the government’s continued support is vital." 

A strategic plan for policing is being developed that includes looking at ways to strengthen the Organized Crime and Gang Unit so its presence is felt in all communities targeted by organized crime.