Nearly 400 RCMP officers were mobilized Tuesday morning in a major operation targeting a major criminal organization. According to our information, it is the Lopez-Oliverio family clan, suspected by the authorities of being involved in cocaine trafficking, money laundering and illegal gambling.
The RCMP executed around twenty search warrants in four businesses, 16 residences and two vehicles. The targeted locations are mostly in the Montreal-North and Saint-Léonard sectors.
The major operation stems from an investigation by the Joint Organized Crime Investigation Unit, in collaboration with the Joint Proceeds of Crime Unit and the Canada Revenue Agency.
“We are talking about high-level organized crime. This is a suspected criminal organization which is linked in particular to the trafficking of illegal substances, illegal gambling and money laundering,” said the spokesperson for the police force, Sergeant Charles Poirier. The authorities did not go easy: 400 RCMP police officers were deployed, as well as four intervention groups (GTI) from different provinces, to allow simultaneous strikes.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Bar Ciro’s, on rue Fleury Est, was also visited by the police.
The major operation began early Tuesday morning. Around 8 a.m., 13 individuals had been arrested. They are currently being held at RCMP headquarters in Westmount.
According to our sources, it is unlikely that the arrested individuals will appear in court in the coming days. “We are in the middle of an investigation. Searches are underway in court to try to provide evidence,” said Charles Poirier.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Lily’s Bar on Fleury Street East received a visit from the police early Tuesday morning.
According to our information, the strikes would target the Lopez-Oliverio family clan. The patriarch of the clan, Serafino Oliverio, is not believed to be among those arrested. Oliverio’s nephew, Giuseppe, was killed last year in the Dominican Republic, where the family owns several properties. Several of their establishments have been targeted by arson attacks in recent years.
The establishments and residences targeted Tuesday morning are mainly places where the criminal organization would operate. According to our information, the clan owns several cafes, restaurants and buildings, especially in the northeast of the metropolis.
More details to come
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS