Surrey mayor Brenda Locke Tuesday said that a coordinated national response, continued collaboration across all levels of government, and the additional policing and intelligence resources needed to strengthen safety and confidence across Surrey.  

 "Today, I want to thank law enforcement agencies in Canada, the United States, and abroad for working together to disrupt these criminal organizations and hold those responsible accountable. The individuals behind these extortion schemes have targeted business owners and threatened our communities, and they must face the consequences of their actions," Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke said. 

 She added, "This news reinforces what we've been saying for months: the extortion crisis affecting Surrey and cities across Canada is being driven by sophisticated transnational organized crime networks. While these arrests are an encouraging step, there is still more work to do to protect businesses, families, and neighbourhoods from intimidation and violence." 

 "Organized crime has no place in Surrey. Public safety remains my top priority, and we will continue partnering with governments and law enforcement agencies to keep people safe and send a clear message that intimidation, extortion, and organized crime will not be tolerated," the mayor added.