After cracking down on a persistent dial-a-dope operation and shuttering a Hillside-area drug house, Victoria police hope they have made a significant dent in criminal activity.
Victoria police Const. Mike Russell said the regional drug-dealing scheme has been busted three times before.
Dial-a-dope refers to a drug operation where dealers and customers connect by phone.
“The significant point of this [bust] is that we were able to get the ‘kingpin,’ finally get him arrested,” Russell said.
Getting to the alleged leader was the culmination of a months-long investigation.
Police carried out a search warrant at a residence on Glanford Avenue, near McKenzie Avenue, and also searched a home on Grant Road in Sooke.
A 31-year-old Saanich man was arrested.
A 32-year-old Sooke woman and a 33-year-old Sooke man were arrested at Denny’s restaurant on Douglas Street.
Police subsequently learned that the couple had driven to Victoria from Sooke with a “significant” quantity of drugs in their car — along with their two children.
One child was dropped off at school prior to the arrest while the other, an infant, was with the parents when police closed in.
“VicPD is working with a number of external agencies to ensure the best outcome for the community and for the children,” Russell said.
Heroin and cocaine were among the drugs found, and officers also located a large amount of cash. As well, four vehicles were seized because of their alleged connection to the drug enterprise.
With the drug house, located on Graham Street near Bay Street, police were able to deal with a long-time issue that was causing concerns in the neighbourhood.
“This location had been a problem for a while with deals being done inside the residence, and often in exchange for property stolen from break-and-enters or theft from vehicles,” Russell said.
The home had an array of weapons — swords, knives, throwing stars, brass knuckles, bear spray — some of which were found stashed near doorways and in other key spots for easy access in the event of a threat.
Four people were in the home. A 39-year-old man was arrested.
