A united police effort landed two Maple Ridge men in jail and ended a rash of armed Lower Mainland robberies.

Police announced Friday that two local young men are facing a series of charges in connection with a series of pharmacy robberies that took place between August and mid-October.

Heists occurred in Abbotsford, Langley, Port Moody, as well as two in Surrey and two in Maple Ridge during the two-month period.

Neither of the suspects, who were arrested in Maple Ridge recently, are known to police, said RCMP Supt. Dave Walsh.

“Members of our street enforcement unit did an outstanding job of investigating, and coordinating these robberies, and have made the Lower Mainland a much safer place to live,” he said.

“They utilized a number of strategies that have resulted in these charges, which has included the recovery of some of the stolen property and other items that will be used as evidence in court.”

He also acknowledge the cooperative efforts with Surrey RCMP’s robbery unit, Langley RCMP’s general investigation section, and both Abbotsford and Port Moody municipal police forces.

“This clearly shows how all Lower Mainland RCMP work with all of our neighbouring detachments and municipal police agencies, as criminals don’t recognize any border or boundaries,” Walsh said.

Ridge Meadows RCMP have recommended a list of charges against Ryan Olson, 27, and 29-year-old Luke Ash.

Both men appeared in provincial court on Thursday, Nov. 22, with Ash being granted bail while Olson was remanded in custody until their next court appearance on Dec. 6.