Quebec Provincial Police carThe Canadian Press
Police in Quebec say they have rounded up more than 40 people after carrying out warrants on private residences in and around the Montreal area.
Nearly 400 officers conducted raids today in Montreal, nearby Laval and other municipalities in the area.
Laval police Sergeant Frederic Jean says at least 42 arrests were carried out, while more than a dozen weapons and some 600,000 synthetic drug pills were seized.
He says 36 warrants were executed, with almost all involving private residences.
One of the homes in the Laurentians allegedly served as a warehouse where drugs were transferred from powder to pill form.
Sgt. Jean says the network was a very well-structured group that had ties with the Italian Mob, the Hells Angels and street gangs.
Those arrested ranged in age from 21 all the way up to their 60s.
They will be arraigned Wednesday on several charges including drug possession, drug trafficking and possession with the intent to traffic.
Some are also expected to face charges related to weapons possession.
In 2010 and 2011, the Laval drug squad seized an average 40,000 illegal pills per year and another 105,000 in 2012.