This news story was updated Nov. 28 at 3:20 p.m. with additional information.
Police in Surrey are trumpeting another drug bust, this one involving the seizure of three submachine guns, three shotguns, 700 pounds of dried cannabis, $145,000 cash, psilocybin chocolate bars and more.
Surrey RCMP Drug Unit dismantled what's described as "a large illicit cannabis distribution group" following an investigation that began at a North Surrey shipping business in September.
Weeks later, the drug unit intercepted a second shipment at the same site, leading to the search of a home on Stevens Drive in West Vancouver.
A 29-year-old man was arrested there, according to a Surrey RCMP news release, and investigators seized cash, guns, ammunition, 1,000-plus bars of psilocybin chocolate ("magic mushrooms") and large bags filled with cannabis. The Oct. 10 search was done with the assistance of Surrey Gang Enforcement Team.
"Illegal cannabis is not tested or quality-controlled and may contain harmful levels of contaminants," warned Surrey RCMP Cpl. Sarbjit K. Sangha, media relations officer.
"Targeting offenders involved in the illegal drug trade in our community continues to be a top priority for the Surrey RCMP Drug Unit."
The investigation is ongoing.
On Wednesday (Nov. 27), Surrey RCMP responded to questions about the "submachine" guns seized in the bust, and emailed an uncropped photo of the firearm pictured in the collage issued with .
Some readers wondered if the pictured gun was, in fact, a submachine gun.
It is, according to Sgt. Tammy Lobb, Surrey RCMP Media Relations Unit, after consulting with the RCMP Drug Unit and a former member of the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team (NWEST).
"This firearm falls under the category of submachine gun as it is a lightweight portable, automatic or semi-automatic firearm that uses pistol-type ammunition and is fired from the hip or shoulder," explained Lobb.
"The essence of the story is that the Surrey RCMP seized guns that were connected to a crime," Lobb added in an emailed statement Thursday. "The submachine gun looks intimidating, is easy to conceal and can shoot rounds in quick succession. These firearms were in the possession of individuals involved in the drug trade, they were not seized from law-abiding citizens.
"The GSG-16 .22-caliber is currently legal to purchase in Canada; however, by definition it is a submachine gun because it is lightweight portable, automatic or semi-automatic firearm that uses pistol-type ammunition and is fired from the hip or shoulder. This model is lighter and more compact than previous models. It is also a firearm listed on Bill C21 to be restricted if Bill C21 is passed."
