A gun was fired during an incident at a Victoria home where police were already investigating the suspected possession of firearms and a large quantity of illicit drugs. The situation unfolded Aug. 26 at a residence in the 700 block of Belton Avenue. Police say people believed to be associated with a rival group became involved while investigators were conducting their work. A firearm was discharged during the confrontation by the suspects, but no one was injured, according to police. The situation prompted a response from Victoria police, Saanich police and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team. Officers contained the area and arrested several people. The investigation continued, and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) got a search warrant for the home. During the search, investigators seized around 19 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and other illicit drugs, along with two loaded firearms, the CFSEU-BC said in a statement Friday. Police also seized a cattle prod, multiple cellular phones and approximately $3,000 in Canadian currency. The people arrested during the incident are known to police, according to the CFSEU-BC. They were released pending further investigation and no charges have been laid. “This incident demonstrates the significant risks associated with organized crime and the illicit drug trade, not only to those involved but also to the public and the police officers who respond to these volatile and potentially deadly situations,” said Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha, a media relations officer with the CFSEU-BC, in the statement. “Our investigators, working alongside the Victoria Police Department, the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team and Saanich Police Department, were able to rapidly contain an unfolding situation involving a firearm discharge and bring it to a safe conclusion without anyone being injured. The seizure of approximately 19 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and other illicit drugs, along with two loaded firearms, represents a significant amount of potentially harmful drugs and dangerous weapons removed from the streets of Victoria.” Police have not provided details about what led to the confrontation or identified the people involved. The investigation is ongoing and the CFSEU-BC says investigators are continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the situation and the items seized from the residence.
