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The uncharacteristically brazen manoeuvres led to a public outcry, with many bringing up harmful stereotypes about the drivers in Richmond, whose population is predominantly Chinese.

But according to a news release, the vehicles belonged to the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C., and were being driven by on-duty police officers “actively engaged in surveillance on high-level targets involved in gang and organized crime related activity,” according to CFSEU-B.C. Sgt. Brenda Winpenny.

“While we cannot comment on the nature of the surveillance due to the active investigation that the officers who were driving the vehicles were involved in, we want to reassure those concerned that we are committed to ensuring the public’s safety due to the risks of gang-related violence in our communities,” said Winpenny.

Winpenny added that the CFSEU-B.C. would be following up with the officers to ensure they were acting within the scope of their duties, as well as the Motor Vehicle Act.

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