Montreal police raids target organized crime in LaSalle

Montreal police (SPVM) conducted raids on Monday and Tuesday, targeting organized crime groups in LaSalle.

Officers conducted 11 searches and arrested four suspects, three men and one woman, aged between 32 and 58 years old.

The searches were carried out in residences and vehicles, which led to the seizure of five kilograms of cocaine, 12 firearms, and $2.2 million in cash – plus half a dozen cell phones.

This is the second phase of searches as part of this investigation dubbed ‘Americano.’

During their first series of raids in January, SPVM officers seized 27.5 kilograms of cocaine, four kilograms of crystal meth, and $17,000 in cash.

Two individuals aged 45 and 61 were arrested during that operation – and later released.

This major investigation is being carried out in several phases. “The first phase consists of disrupting criminal activities by conducting searches. Arrests are expected, as well as indictments within the dismantled network, based in particular on evidence gathered during the investigation initiated in August 2023. The Antigang unit intends to submit a complete investigation file to the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DPCP),” said police in a press release on Wednesday morning.

Anyone with information that could be useful to investigators is urged to call 911, contact their local police or call Info-Crime Montréal anonymously and confidentially at 514-393-1133 – or via their online reporting form.