Provincial investigators seize $8 million worth of cannabis from 4 B.C. warehouses

Cannabis plants grow in Simcoe, Ont., Tuesday, April 13, 2021. (Tara Walton / The Canadian Press)

The provincial agency that targets unlicensed cannabis operations says it has seized nearly $8 million worth of the drug from four warehouses across B.C.

The Community Safety Unit conducted the operations at facilities in Richmond, Vancouver and Vernon, according to a statement issued Wednesday.

The unit did not specify which of those communities housed two warehouses, nor did it say exactly when the seizures occurred, noting only that it has been aided in its efforts by local police in each jurisdiction since May of this year.

“The CSU investigators seized a significant amount of cannabis, including cannabis plants, dried cannabis and cannabis edibles,” the statement reads. “The initial estimate of the seized cannabis is nearly $8 million. That amount could change after further processing of the items seized.”

The unit said its investigation is ongoing and “no more information can be provided at this time,” adding that if an administrative monetary penalty is imposed in the case, the decision will be published online.

“The CSU’s primary objective is to achieve voluntary compliance through education and progressive enforcement,” the statement reads. “Enforcement action is determined on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as public safety, links to organized crime, impact to the legal market and the province’s commitment to reconciliation.”

Since legalization in 2018, the unit has seized more than $43 million worth of cannabis products across 123 enforcement actions, according to the province.