Laval police seize assets and drugs in organized crime investigation

Police in Laval, Quebec, say a monthslong operation against an organized crime group led to the seizure of millions of dollars in assets and illegal drugs. The investigation began in September and unfolded in four phases between last December and this July. Police said the final raid took place on July 28 and dealt a major setback to the group. Authorities say the probe focused on suspected drug trafficking and money laundering tied to a restaurant that investigators say was used as a meeting place. Seized items included three buildings worth nearly $2.9 million, more than $559,000 in cash, more than $300,000 in luxury goods and proceeds of crime, plus 51 kilograms of cannabis and 1.4 kilograms of cocaine. Several suspects were arrested and are expected to face drug trafficking charges.