Twenty additional police officers will be deployed to Surrey, British Columbia, as part of an intensified effort to combat a wave of extortion crimes that has left homes and businesses damaged by gunfire across the region.

Federal Support and Inter-Provincial Coordination

The announcement comes as British Columbia Premier David Eby reveals plans for a crucial inter-provincial meeting in Surrey to address the growing crisis. Law enforcement leadership from British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario will gather in the next two weeks to develop a coordinated response to the extortion phenomenon.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has committed to providing additional federal resources to support anti-gang operations, specifically targeting the recent surge in extortion cases. The funding will enable enhanced investigation capabilities and increased police presence in affected areas.

Local Response and Resource Needs

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke, who is scheduled to meet with federal representatives in Ottawa, welcomed the resource allocation but emphasized that more support may be needed. The city is currently managing numerous extortion investigations, prompting the local council to pass a motion requesting the declaration of a national state of emergency.

Coordinated Law Enforcement Strategy

‘We need to ensure there are no gaps in information-sharing and that our resources are properly allocated to maximize arrests and successful prosecutions,’ stated Premier Eby following discussions with Prime Minister Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

Current Investigation Status

The regional anti-extortion task force is currently pursuing 32 active investigations across the Lower Mainland. Law enforcement officials are implementing a coordinated approach to track and apprehend suspects involved in these criminal activities.

The deployment of additional officers represents a significant step in addressing the security concerns of local residents and business owners who have been impacted by this wave of organized crime. The inter-provincial meeting is expected to establish new protocols for cross-jurisdictional cooperation and enhanced enforcement measures.