By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban
Montreal police have arrested 13 suspects and seized firearms, drugs, and nearly $120,000 in cash in a major operation aimed at dismantling a criminal network targeting restaurant and bar owners with threats, arson, and demands for protection money.
In an interview with The Suburban, Montreal police investigating the case confirmed back in March that officers were visiting local restaurants on a regular basis, “doing rounds” in response to a spike in attacks on West Island and Montreal establishments. The so-called “protection pay” criminal network has been active since restaurants reopened following the lifting of Covid-19 measures, according to police.
Raids were carried out across seven Montreal boroughs, as well as in Laval, Châteauguay, and Dollard-des-Ormeaux. The police operation involved 150 officers from firearms and narcotics units, neighbourhood stations, and specialized teams, with provincial and regional forces lending support. Officers seized three guns, significant quantities of cocaine and crystal meth, thousands of speed pills, and cash.
Three men ages 25, 34, and 39 are believed to be central to several extortion attempts against two downtown restaurant owners and their associates. These owners were targeted multiple times, including an incident in February when gunshots were fired through a Ste-Catherine St. restaurant window. The same victims saw another restaurant location and even a private residence attacked. Police say two distinct criminal groups appear to have been preying on the same restaurateurs, with links to drug trafficking.
Of the 13 people arrested, eight are men and two are women, all between 28 and 44 years old. Some will appear in court within 24 hours, while others will be released on strict conditions.
The arrests come after months of mounting anxiety among Montreal’s hospitality sector, where business owners have struggled to find insurance and, in some cases, have considered closing their doors due to relentless threats and attacks. Industry leaders say this first wave of arrests is a relief but stress that continued vigilance and enforcement are needed to protect the city’s restaurants and bars.
Police have indicated that their investigation is ongoing and that further arrests are possible. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact their local police station or report anonymously via Info-Crime. n