BURST
Nearly $66,000 worth of illicit drugs, cash and weapons have been seized from a Downtown Eastside SRO following a six-month investigation, said the Vancouver Police Department.
Police launched Project Bingo last December after noticing suspicious activity at a single-room occupancy building near East Hastings and Princess Avenue.
Last month, officers searched the property and seized 287 grams of fentanyl, 107 grams of cocaine, 549 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 303 hydromorphone pills — which police estimated have a combined street value of $65,922.
Police also seized 17,200 cigarettes in 86 cartons worth about $3,300 as well as more than $10,300 in cash, a handgun, ammunition, body armour, a crossbow, swords and other weapons.
A 61-year-old Vancouver man was arrested and released as the investigation continues. Police said several charges will be recommended to the B.C. Prosecution Service.
Earlier this month, police announced three people were charged after a separate VPD drug bust in a nearby SRO .
Police found more than $2 million in street drugs and about $141,000 in cash from a unit at 339 East Hastings St., between Gore and Dunlevy avenues last July. James William Clapp, Roy Alvin Haynes and Jose Inacio face drug-related charges.
In March, police searched two other suites in the same building connected to what police believe is the same drug-trafficking operation.