The Sea to Sky RCMP has been working on a long-term investigation into drug trafficking in the Squamish community.
The investigation led to a search warrant being executed on Thursday at about 9:30 a.m. on a tent at an encampment off Third Avenue and Main Street in Squamish.
The Sea to Sky RCMP was joined by the Crime Reduction Unit, General Investigation Section and was supported by the Lower Mainland District (LMD) Emergency Response Team and LMD Tactical Support Group.
One man was arrested at the search location and approximately an hour and a half hour later, a second man was arrested on Second Avenue.
Both men have since been released and charges will be determined through further investigation.
During the search, officers located numerous prohibited weapons, imitation firearms, live ammunition, drugs, and evidence of drug trafficking.
“Public Safety is paramount to the Squamish RCMP team, and today is an example of that dedication to the community of Squamish,” stated Staff Sgt. Sascha Banks, Sea to Sky RCMP Squamish Detachment Operations Commander.
“In the past 18 months we have seen an increase in violent incidents and property crime, and we have heard the concerns from residents, specifically in the downtown core. From this we have initiated multiple new approaches to the way we police, including focused proactive neighbourhood patrols with the new Crime Reduction Unit, intelligence gathering with analysts, expanding our work with partner agencies such as the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU), and dedication to drug projects and targeted enforcement.”