Quebec’s firearms crackdown leads to major cocaine bust and 15 arrests

The raids also dumped quantities of methamphetamine, bulletproof vests and more than $ 100,000 in cash.

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On Thursday, in a major police operation aimed at reducing gun violence in the province, Quebec police forces seized not only dozens of weapons, but also 170 kilograms of cocaine and approximately 225 kilograms of smuggled cannabis, the Sûreté du Québec confirmed on Friday.

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More than 100 officers participated in the raids, in which 15 people were arrested.

The operation was part of the province’s Centaure campaign aimed at reducing the gun violence that has plagued Quebec for the past year. Police confiscated more than 50 long guns, 100 pistols, ammunition, air pistols and several crossbows on Thursday.

The raids also dumped quantities of methamphetamine, bulletproof vests and more than $ 100,000 in cash.

Thursday’s operation did not end the raids. The police also carried out “visibility” visits to more than 110 authorized establishments in Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Longueuil and the eastern municipalities, as well as in the Mauricie, Center-du-Québec and Gatineau regions. Police checkpoints were also set up on the roads, which searched 1,792 vehicles and interrogated 40 people.

Centaure’s campaign strategy is to keep constant pressure on Quebec’s organized crime networks.

Anyone with information can report it confidentially by calling 1-833-888-ARME (2763).