Police are being closed-lipped as they swoop in on criminals in Maple Ridge as part of an ongoing federal operation.
On Wednesday morning, police closed 108th Avenue near Lockwood Street, and a helicopter circled overhead as black unmarked SUVs moved into the area.
Members of the public speculated in social media as to what was happening in their neighbourhood, but Ridge Meadows RCMP offered limited details.
They said the bulk of the investigation is still ongoing, and it is connected to an active federal investigation.
Ridge Meadows RCMP officers assisted the federal unit with the operations in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Police operations relating to the investigation have been under way in multiple locations and communities.
More details will be released on Friday.
Pickups collide
Five people were transported to hospital by ambulance after two pickup trucks collided on the Lougheed Highway on Wednesday.
Ridge Meadows RCMP got the call just before 8 a.m. about the crash on the city’s eastern border, near 287th Street.
A police spokesman said one eastbound vehicle was making a left-hand turn when the two pickups collided.
In total, five occupants were transported to hospital by van or air ambulance.
A police spokesperson said none of their injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
The crash snarled traffic on the Lougheed for approximately two hours.