Mounties stumble into largest drug bust in Prince George history

Mounties say that officers investigating a break-and-enter in Prince George, B.C., stumbled on what turned out to be the biggest haul of illicit drugs in the city's history and the pending investigation will likely spread across northern B.C.

RCMP say officers were responding to a report of a break-and-enter on Wednesday when they noticed a large number of counterfeit cigarettes on the premises.

A search warrant was obtained, and police say investigators seized nearly 40 kilograms of illicit drugs, including suspected fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as about 120,000 counterfeit cigarettes and more than half a million dollars in cash.

WATCH | Police showcase largest drug bust in Prince George's history:

Prince George Mounties stumble into major drug bust

10 days ago

Duration 0:41

Police in Prince George, B.C. responding to a break-and-enter discovered a huge quantity of illicit drugs and cash, leading to what they said was the largest drug bust the city has ever seen.

Officers also seized more than 11 kilograms of cannabis and 11 kilograms of what was thought to be a cutting agent making it the largest drug bust in the city's history,according to police.

At an event showcasing some of the illicit material, Cpl. Jennifer Cooper said arrests have yet to be made as the investigation is ongoing. Cooper also said it was too early to estimate the total value of the seized items.

Drugs likely meant for distribution across north: police

Prince George is the largest city in northern B.C., with a population of more than 80,000 anda service centre for roughly 290,000 people spread over the province's north coast to Dawson Creek and Fort St. John near the B.C.-Alberta border an areacovering nearly 600,000 square kilometres.

Insp.Darin Rappel, the interim detachment commander for thePrinceGeorgeRCMP, said it is likely the investigation will involve police from across that entireregion, as the amount of drugs seized indicates they were meant for further distribution.

"The preliminary investigation would suggest that it is, in fact, gang-related," he said at a news conference in Prince George. "They are the only people who would be able to move this amount of drugs."

He says police will be increasing enforcement efforts in the area as a result of the seizure.