Weapons, drugs seized from homeless encampment in Squamish, B.C.

Investigators said the search uncovered prohibited weapons, imitation firearms, live ammunition, drugs and evidence consistent with drug trafficking. (Handout)

Mounties say prohibited weapons, ammunition and drugs were seized from a homeless encampment in Squamish, B.C. on Thursday, following a lengthy drug trafficking investigation.

The Sea to Sky RCMP says officers searched the encampment at around 9:30 a.m., with assistance from the heavily armed Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team and the Tactical Support Group.

The search was focused on a tent near the 37000 block of Third Avenue. One man was arrested at that location, while a second man was arrested about an hour and a half later on Second Avenue, the RCMP said in a news release.

Both men have since been released pending further investigation.

Investigators said the search uncovered prohibited weapons, imitation firearms, live ammunition, drugs and evidence consistent with drug trafficking.

“Public safety is paramount to the Squamish RCMP team, and today is an example of that dedication to the community of Squamish,” said Staff Sgt. Sascha Banks in a statement.

Police in Squamish have seen an increase in violent incidents and property crime over the past 18 months, she added, particularly in the downtown core.

In response to the uptick, officers have stepped up neighbourhood patrols and expanded their intelligence gathering partnerships with outside agencies, including the province’s anti-organized crime Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, Banks said.

Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100.