Five people were arrested after the Coquitlam RCMP executed a search warrant at a “well-known crime house” in Maillardville that police said they have visited more than 50 times this year.
The incident occurred in the 200 block of King Street at around 5 p.m. Because police believed a firearm was in the home, the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team was called in to assist with the arrests.
“We’ve attended this house or investigated related files more than 50 times this year,” said Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin. “Since the Coquitlam RCMP [Uniformed Crime Reduction Unit] had information about potential firearms in the house, we called in the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team to make the safest possible entry.”
Three men and a woman were taken into custody and released, while a 35-year-old was held in custody on two outstanding warrants.
Mounties said no one was hurt during the arrests.
An improvised firearm, also known as a zip gun, was seized, according to police, along with a prohibited knife, an extendable baton, a credit card press and equipment for making identification documents. Mounties also found a large amount of stolen identification, mail and other property, as well as drugs and drug paraphernalia.
“The next stage in the investigation is to review the large amount of evidence seized and determine what charges may be appropriate,” McLaughlin said. “Now that we’ve been inside, we’re also calling the city of Coquitlam bylaw enforcement. We have some concerns that the house is not being occupied safely.”
Police said residents with information about crime taking place in their neighbourhood can call the Coquitlam RCMP’s non-emergency number at 604-945-1550.
“Information from citizens is an important part of how police direct crime prevention resources,” police said in a press release.
