Vancouver police raid drug activists’ office over trafficking, two arrested

Vancouver police have executed search warrants at the offices of the Drug User Liberation Front, an activist group that says it runs a “compassion club” for distributing drugs.

Police arrested two people and say the group has publicly admitted to trafficking heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines.

Vancouver Coastal Health’s website says the Drug User Liberation Front Society received $200,000 of public funding in 2021-2022.

The group says its “fulfilment centre” allows drug users to receive up to 14 grams of cocaine, heroin or methamphetamine per week, with the substances tested for safety before sale.

Police say they executed warrants at the group’s offices on East Hastings and Columbia Street, as well as two Vancouver homes.

The department says in a news release that criminal charges against the two people who were arrested will be considered when the investigation is complete. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 26, 2023.

The Canadian Press