Montreal police say they dealt a “hard blow to an alleged network of firearms traffickers” on Tuesday evening after arresting seven people and seizing firearms, cash and precious metals.
The Montreal City Police Service (SPVM) conducted a series of searches in Montreal and Laval, leading to the seizure of nine firearms and approximately $500,000.
“The exact value of the precious metals seized remains to be determined, but it is estimated to be several hundred thousand dollars,” the police force said. The raids also led to the discovery of a kilo of cocaine and a kilo and a half of methamphetamines. »
Three of the searches were carried out in buildings in eastern Montreal, from where the group allegedly carried out its activities. “A house in the Pont-Viau sector, in Laval, is also one of the places targeted by police operations,” specifies the SPVM.
The seven people apprehended during this “net” appeared Wednesday at the Montreal courthouse, where various charges related in particular to firearms and drug trafficking were filed. One of the suspects was released on conditions. “His alleged accomplices will remain in detention during this period,” police said.
“The investigation continues to establish the origin of the weapons seized and to determine whether they could have been used in events of armed violence. »