Vancouver police raid drug activists’ office, homes; 2 arrested

published on October 26, 2023 by Hana Mae Nassar, Kier Junos, and Liza Yuzda in CityNews Vancouver

Vancouver Police officers have raided the offices of the Drug User Liberation Fund (DULF), a community-based advocacy group the VPD claims has “publicly admitted to trafficking controlled substances.”

According to police, the department “executed multiple search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation” into the organization’s operations.

The raids come after DULF was questioned about how it had been paying to buy and test drugs for its members as part of its compassion club program.

“We understand the magnitude of the ongoing overdose crisis and the impact drug toxicity deaths have in communities throughout the province,” said Insp. Phil Heard, commanding officer of VPD’s Organized Crime Section.

“While DULF’s actions were intended to reduce the harms caused by toxic drugs, we have always warned that anyone who violates the Criminal Code or the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act could face enforcement and criminal charges. This group has knowingly operated illegally in the Downtown Eastside and we have now taken action to stop it.”…