Surrey Drug Unit busts illegal cannabis operation finds potato chips and gummies among other things

A three-month drug trafficking investigation has resulted in a significant cannabis seizure, which uniquely included cannabis infused potato chips. In September 2020, the Surrey RCMP Drug Unit began a proactive investigation into a drug trafficking operation at a residence in the 13400-block of Central Avenue.

As the investigation progressed, officers gathered evidence consistent with the sale and distribution of cannabis products. On December 17, 2020, a search warrant under the Cannabis Act was obtained.

The following were among the items seized during the execution of the search warrant:

Approximately 800 one-gram packets of cannabis shatter

Approximately 300 grams of bulk cannabis shatter

10 lbs of bulk cannabis bud

3.5 lbs of packaged cannabis

Approximately 1 lb of bulk cannabis butter 20 vials containing suspected THC distillate and a synthetic compound suspected to be W-18 345

THC vape pens 44 packages of THC gummies

3 packages of THC potato chips

1 lb of psilocybin mushrooms

1 ounce of bulk MDMA Approximately $5,000 cash. 

Four men were initially arrested and later released pending further investigation. The men are known to police and one of the individuals has ties to the Lower Mainland gang conflict. This is a good reminder that, not only is it illegal for an unauthorized dealer to sell cannabis, it is also illegal to purchase cannabis from an unauthorized dealer, regardless if the purchase is in-store, online or in-person, says Inspector Mike Hall, Surrey RCMP Proactive Enforcement Officer.

Parents should also be aware that cannabis can be inconspicuously consumed through an unassuming product like potato chips, says Inspector Hall. Illegal cannabis products are not regulated and therefore may contain harmful additives.