13 people arrested as RCMP conducts raids in Montreal

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have arrested 13 people after raiding several businesses on Tuesday in Montreal.

Nearly 400 police officers were mobilized as part of a “major operation called Chrome” by the RCMP, along with four Emergency Response Teams from Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick.

“This investigation is targeting an alleged criminal organization,” said Corporal Erique Gasse, spokesperson for the RCMP. “They’re being investigated for cocaine trafficking, illegal gambling and money laundering.”

The RCMP added that the officers are involved in a series of searches that stem from an investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU).

“20 locations in Montreal were raided, including four businesses, 16 residences and two vehicles,” said Gasse.

According to the RCMP, the raids started around 6 a.m. and officers are looking for more evidence that can be used to lay charges.

The Integrated Proceeds of Crime Unit (IPOC) and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) were also involved in the investigation, according to the RCMP.

In its press release, the police force indicated that one of the sites being searched is near Fleury Est and J.-J.-Gagnier streets in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville borough.

An RCMP mobile command post was deployed at this location and the investigation is still ongoing.

-This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews.