Postmedia revealed last year that the Zone 43 gang had moved into Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside and was working with the Wolfpack Gang. Learn more
Get the latest from Kim Bolan straight to your inbox
Published Jun 11, 2024 • Last updated 7 hours ago • 3 minute read
You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.
A Vancouver police investigation targeting the violent Montreal gang Zone 43 has resulted in five arrests, the seizure of 24 kilos of illicit drugs and firearms, and $150,000 in cash.Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG
Article content
A Vancouver police investigation targeting the violent Montreal gang Zone 43 has resulted in five arrests and the seizures of firearms, 24 kilos of illicit drugs, and $150,000 in cash.
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.
Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.
Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.
Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.
Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.
Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
Enjoy additional articles per month.
Get email updates from your favourite authors.
Sign In or Create an Account
or
Article content
The Quebec gang has been involved in a violent conflict in Montreal with a rival group called the Profit Boys.
Vancouver Police Insp. Phil Heard said Tuesday that the force began an investigation into Zone 43 last year, which culminated with five searches, in Vancouver and Burnaby, on May 14.
The five men arrested have been released as the investigation, called Project Talon, continues, Heard told reporters as he stood in front of some of the seized drugs and cash.
VPD Inspector Phil Heard spoke to media about seized drugs, cash, and firearms at VPD Property Office in Vancouver, BC, June 11, 2024.Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG
The seized drugs were “seven kilograms of fentanyl, 11 kilograms of cocaine, two kilograms of methamphetamine and four kilograms of cutting agents, including toxic benzodiazepines,” Heard said. “Investigators also seized two handguns and over $150,000 in cash.”
Heard said the VPD is “committed to combatting organized crime groups operating in our community, especially those from other jurisdictions that seek to establish operations in Vancouver and profit from the sale of toxic drugs.”
“These individuals and other persons identified during the course of the investigation will have numerous charges recommended against them once the investigation is complete,” Heard said, adding that Zone 43 remains active in the Lower Mainland.
Sunrise
Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Thanks for signing up!
A welcome email is on its way. If you don’t see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Article content
Advertisement 3
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
He confirmed the gang continues to have a relationship with the Wolfpack, which was formed in B.C. in 2011 among some Hells Angels, some Red Scorpion gangsters and some Independent Soldiers.
The Wolfpack has now expanded its reach globally.
Heard said Zone 43 gangsters “pose a very significant risk to the public. They’re involved in a well-documented conflict ongoing in the province of Quebec with a rival group.”
Vancouver police worked with both the Quebec provincial police and Montreal police on the investigation.
A Vancouver police investigation targeting the violent Montreal gang Zone 43 has resulted in five arrests, the seizure of 24 kilos of illicit drugs and firearms, and $150,000 in cash.Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG
“We’ve worked together to bring individuals here that were wanted by other agencies and repatriate them to those locations,” he said.
Heard said that it’s a VPD priority to fight organized crime groups that move into the province from elsewhere in Canada.
“Those crime groups that move into B.C. present a unique threat because of the fact that they’re likely going to destabilize the region, they’re going to be looking to take over drug lines, drug turf, and that ultimately, oftentimes, in our experience, will lead to conflict and acts of violence,” he said. “So it’s a super high priority for us.”
Advertisement 4
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content
The fentanyl packages on display Tuesday were various different colours. A VPD drug expert said the colouring could be because different dealers want users to know their brand. Likewise, seized cocaine bricks displayed had various markings like Yeti or Monster.
The drug expert said there was no determination yet on whether the crystalized meth shown Tuesday was produced in Canada or had been smuggled in from Mexico.
Zone 43 had been linked to a shooting in June 2023, sources told Postmedia at the time.
Maria Mourani, a criminologist who has studied Montreal street gangs, said earlier that it was unusual that Zone 43 would move into Vancouver, though members have been involved in prostitution in several Canadian cities.
Zone 43 is aligned with the Bloods, Mourani said, referring to the original Los Angeles street gang founded in 1969.
VPD Inspector Phil Heard spoke to media about seized drugs, cash, and firearms at VPD Property Office in Vancouver, BC, June 11, 2024.Photo by Arlen Redekop /PNG
You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber: For just $14 a month, you can get unlimited access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.