A man was arrested for trafficking cocaine while seated in a chair directly in front of an Island Health supervised consumption site

VicPD has launched a dedicated, ongoing covert enforcement initiative focused on addressing disorder and crime in the downtown core, resulting in the generation of multiple drug trafficking files and 16 arrests over the first two days. 

The initiative, dubbed “Project 3D” (disrupt downtown disorder) and led by VicPD’s Strike Force unit, aims to disrupt criminal activity in problematic locations downtown and improve safety for residents, businesses, and visitors. 

The initiative utilizes a combination of proactive policing strategies including high-visibility patrols, targeted surveillance, and undercover operations, in partnership with City of Victoria bylaw officers. Targeted areas include, but are not limited to, Pandora Avenue, Centennial Square, Ellice Street, Queens Avenue, Princess Avenue, Mason Street, and more.  

Some notable files include: 

• 25-28167: A man was arrested for trafficking cocaine while seated in a chair directly in front of an Island Health supervised consumption site in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue, with a consistent flow of customers. Officers initiated two separate purchases from the man and notably observed a service provider from the facility interacting with him without any apparent concern for the illegal activity. 

• 25-26893: During the second day of the project, a man was arrested after being observed dealing fentanyl in the 900-block of Mason Street. The same man was also arrested for trafficking cocaine on the first day of the project in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue, highlighting the persistent nature of this activity and the need for ongoing enforcement. 

• 25-26971: Police believed a violent repeat offender with two outstanding warrants from the mainland recently moved to Victoria. Undercover officers assigned to the project located the man in the 900-block of Pandora Avenue and he was arrested and held in custody pending his court appearance. 

“This project is a critical, sustained effort focused on addressing what we continue to hear from the community is their number one concern: downtown street disorder,” said Chief Del Manak. 

“These proactive, targeted interventions are essential to disrupting the cycle of problematic behaviour and creating a safer, more welcoming downtown for everyone.” 

Following arrests, investigators are working to secure drug trafficking charges and crucially, court-ordered conditions banning suspects from these problematic areas to prevent further disruption and protect vulnerable individuals from harm. 

The increased police presence and focused enforcement have been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from downtown businesses. One business owner shared they had experienced daily issues for years, and that this project marked the first time they felt safe and did not have to deal with street disorder outside their business. 

To ensure a targeted approach, VicPD Community Resource Officers will be connecting with businesses in the coming days to identify ongoing challenges.