Partnering with Washington state to keep people in B.C. safer

VICTORIA -

Summary

• B.C. and Washington state law enforcement officials are combining efforts to address transnational criminal activity, such as organized crime, extortion and illegal drug trade
• The annual Pacific Region Cross-Border Law Enforcement Forum, held on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026​, in Esquimalt, brought together senior law-enforcement officials, operational staff and experts to share information and best practices

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To help protect communities from crime, policing officials from B.C. and Washington state met on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, at the annual Pacific Region Cross-Border Law Enforcement Forum to share information and best practices.

"Crime doesn't respect borders, and by working together with Washington state law enforcement, we can more effectively crack down on offenders and help keep people and communities safer," said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "British Columbia's longstanding partnership with Washington state remains strong. Our cross-border co-ordination and co-operation is helping to tackle tough challenges, such as organized crime, extortion and the illicit drug trade that harm people and businesses in B.C. communities."

The forum, held in Esquimalt, brought together B.C. and Washington state senior law-enforcement officials, operational staff and experts. Building on partnership, the forum provides an opportunity for officials to discuss how to address shared concerns, such as gangs, illegal firearms, narcotics, human trafficking, violent radicalization, active shooters and terrorism.

Working together on public safety

The 2026 meeting discussions focused on:

• the organized crime landscape and measures police agencies are taking to undermine it
• lessons learned from providing security for the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Vancouver and Seattle
• efforts underway to stop extortion
• how to disrupt the illegal drug trade through B.C.'s Track and Trace initiative

"Every single day of the year, Washington and B.C. law-enforcement professionals work together for the safety of those we serve," said John R. Batiste, chief, Washington State Patrol. "Crime knows no border and the Washington State Patrol knows no better friends than our colleagues to the north. These gatherings allow us to be better prepared for the ever-changing challenges we face together."

Cross-border co-operation has helped weaken transnational extortion networks. BC RCMP members were a part of Operation Hard Ball, a multinational probe led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the federal RCMP into violent transnational organized crime. The B.C. Extortion Task Force is supporting local police, protecting targeted businesses and people, bringing criminals to justice and supporting victims.

B.C. officials are also sharing information about a first-in-Canada pilot project to fight the toxic-drug crisis. Track and Trace helps police and scientists use new digital technology and lab robotics to analyze and track the flow of toxic drugs. The approach can also save lives by helping create early-warning systems to alert people of increased danger of illicit drugs in their area.

"The BC RCMP is committed to continuing our long-standing relationship with our counterparts in Washington state in addressing transnational organized crime, extortions, human trafficking, cyber crime and the illegal drug trade," said John Brewer, assistant commissioner and acting commanding officer, BC RCMP. "Focusing on the strength of our partnership is essential in keeping our communities across borders safe and secure. By working closely with the Washington State Patrol and other agencies to share intelligence and co-ordinate enforcement efforts, we aim to disrupt criminal activity wherever it occurs."

The Province is taking action to keep people and communities safe through its comprehensive Organized Crime Strategy that works to combat gangs, fight organized crime and stop criminals from bringing gun violence and toxic drugs into communities. The Pacific Region Cross-Border Law Enforcement Forum is a key action of the strategy, supporting stronger prevention and enforcement efforts to enhance public safety throughout B.C.

Through Budget 2026, the Province is continuing to take action to build safer communities, with a $139-million investment over three years to strengthen public safety, address repeat offending and improve timely access to justice.

Quick Fact:

• The Pacific Region Cross-Border Law Enforcement Forum is a result of a 2024 memorandum of agreement to meet each year to further common interests and strategic approaches to crime and public safety.

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