Victoria police seized nearly $94,000 in stolen merchandise and $19,000 in cash and drugs while investigating a sophisticated trafficking operation.
In January, officers uncovered a retail theft operation – where people exchanged drugs for stolen store items – that targeted downtown Victoria businesses, VicPD said in a news release.
Police said individuals would contact a centralized phone number to arrange to exchange stolen retail items for drugs. Over the phone, someone would appraise the items and provide a value. Someone would then meet and make the exchange.
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In some cases, the individuals would make specific requests or provide a shopping list of desired items. The investigation also determined several downtown businesses were targeted for specific retail merchandise, police said.
Police seized the merchandise, cash and drugs in two separate search warrants in Victoria residences on Feb. 23.
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