Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris has released the following statement:

“We’ve seen reports of targeted violence and death connected to gang activity in the news lately. I have ensured the public B.C.’s anti-gang units have their targets set on these known gang members and their associates, and my senior officials are in constant contact with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit BC. I have every confidence they are working hard on these matters. The two new 10-person teams within the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit are fully operational.

“I understand and share the public’s concern regarding the risk to innocent bystanders in gang violence. This is why police are working tirelessly to disrupt and stop these individuals.

“I can’t stress enough that this is the reality of gang life. There are three true outcomes of this lifestyle: injured, dead or, following the work of police, convicted and behind bars for a significant period of time.

“It’s no way to live. Young people who are thinking a gang lifestyle is glamourous should pay attention to the violent outcomes we’ve been seeing lately. I encourage parents to talk about these stories with youth in their homes, as the might not see what’s being reported in the news.  

“The Province, anti-gang units and local police continue to make progress on B.C.’s $23-million expanded Guns and Gangs Strategy, and I look forward to seeing the results of the recent provincewide Firearms Amnesty, held during October, in an effort to get illegal guns off the streets and out of the hands of criminals.”