Vancouver drug bust nets $850,000 for civil forfeiture fund, with more expected

VANCOUVER – Vancouver police say a drug-den bust has resulted in the seizure and sale of one asset worth $850,000, with more forefeiture funds pending.

Police began their investigation, dubbed project Twizzler, in September 2011 with the belief that drug dealers were targeting marginalized people living in the Downtown Eastside.

Search warrants were used in two locations, and police say they found more than $50,000 in cash, large amounts of cocaine, heroin, marijuana, crystal meth and a variety of weapons.

Police say one of the two buildings they searched has been sold for $850,000.

Investigators are also asking the court for the forfeiture of six high-end vehicles and another apartment building.

Four men, between the ages of 33 and 41, have been charged with numerous counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.