‘They’re definitely people that I stay away from’: DTES investigation leads to major seizure of drugs and weapons

A major investigation in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside has led to a significant seizure of drugs, cash and weapons.

VPD officers say Project Bingo began roughly six months ago after they observed “suspicious behaviour” linked to a single-room occupancy (SRO) building near East Hastings Street and Princess Avenue.

Const. Megan Lui says the investigation required months of surveillance and evidence gathering before police were given the green light for a full on raid in May. She did not reveal the initial “suspicious behaviour” that sparked the investigation.

“They executed the search warrant with the emergency response team and the K9 team and that’s when they were able to seize all the items that were found in the suite,” she said.

Inside the suite, officers found an assortment of weapons—including multiple swords, a hatchet and a crossbow—along with fentanyl, crystal meth and other illicit substances. Police estimate the drugs and illegal cigarettes have a combined street value of nearly $80,000.

Police also seized more than $10,000 in cash, body armour and a handgun with ammunition. A 61‑year‑old Vancouver man was arrested.

Neighbour: “They’re definitely people that I stay away from”

For people living nearby, the discovery reinforces long-standing fears about safety in and around supportive housing.

Jason Mandelin, who lives in an SRO close to the targeted building, says he’s familiar with the individuals connected to the suite.

“I know of them—and they’re definitely people that I stay away from,” he said.

Mandelin says violent incidents have become disturbingly common.

“They’re very dangerous people—just the other day outside my other SRO a guy had a knife and he was going to go stab somebody and…what do you do about it? There’s a pandemic out here and it’s getting worse and worse.”

Suspect released as police prepare charge recommendations

Police say the man arrested during the raid has since been released from custody. Investigators plan to recommend multiple charges to Crown counsel.