Three people charged, others arrested for drug trafficking in DTES building
Police found drug trafficking activities inside three units in the same building
By Cheryl Chan
Last updated 8 hours ago
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Three people have been charged and several arrested after Vancouver police busted drug-trafficking operations operating out of three suites in a Downtown Eastside building.
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Police launched its first investigation, dubbed Project Bouquet, last July into a unit at 339 East Hastings St., between Gore and Dunlevy avenues. A July 17 search resulted in the seizure of weapons, more than $2 million in street drugs and $141,000 in Canadian and U.S. currency.
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In March, the Crown approved charges against James William Clapp for drug trafficking and against Roy Alvin Haynes and Jose Inacio for possession for the purpose of trafficking and weapons possession.
Investigators then started a second probe after they suspected other drug-trafficking activities in other units. Police searched two other suites, and found more than three kilograms of suspected cocaine, fentanyl and crystal methamphetamine. Officers also seized several weapons, including a Taser and a crossbow, two bulletproof vests and $12,000 in cash.
Several people were arrested in the followup operation, called Project Bouquet Deux.
Charges haven’t been laid, but Vancouver police spokesman Sgt. Adam Donaldson said investigators believe the alleged drug-trafficking activities in the three suites are linked.
Soon after the initial seizure, VPD Insp. Gary Hiar said that crime and toxic drug deaths in the DTES were fuelled by predatory drug dealers and gang members who profit off the area’s vulnerable residents.
Speaking generally, Donaldson said drug traffickers often take over someone’s suite, move in and use it for their operation.
“It’s very disruptive to other people in the building who are trying to live their lives and stay out of trouble,” he said.
Donaldson said drug trafficking also comes with a high risk of violence.
