Alleged B.C. drug trafficking operation shut down, police say

A B.C. police task force says an alleged drug trafficking operation between the Lower Mainland and Okanagan has been shut down following a lengthy investigation.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. (CFSEU-BC) says 25 total charges have been approved against seven people in connection with the operation.

“It’s a very high threshold to meet to be able to get charges approved for operating for the benefit of a criminal organization,” said CFSEU-BC Deputy Operations Officer, Duncan Pound.

Pound says police have “put an end” to the supply of drugs flowing between the Lower Mainland and Interior as part of the alleged operation.

Police seized kilograms of different drugs as part of an investigation into an alleged drug trafficking operation in B.C. (Photo supplied by CFSEU-BC)

The agency says began in early 2020. Between September 2020 and July 2021, it says police searched a dozen locations throughout both regions. Through those searches, police seized:

• Two kg of cocaine
• One kg of MDMA
• One kg of fentanyl
• 200 mg of ketamine
• 10 kg of cannabis
• 16 kg of cutting agents
• About $650,000 in cash

Police seized approximately $650,000 in cash in relation to an alleged drug trafficking operation in B.C. (Photo supplied by CFSEU-BC)

• Two handguns
• Three rifles
• One shotgun
• Magazines and ammunition
• Body armour
• Two vehicles

Police found a Hells Angels Motorcycle gang vest at one of the locations they searched. (Photo supplied by CFSEU-BC)

The CFSEU-BC says police also found a vest for the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club and other items supporting the group.

Police arrest five suspects

The police agency says 25 charges have been approved against seven people in relation to the drug trafficking operation. Five of the seven have been arrested and released on conditions, the CFSEU says.

Roman Tassone, 28, and Lukas Tassone, 34, who are both facing charges related to drug trafficking are still wanted by police.

Lukas Tassone, 34, is facing one charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking. (Photo supplied by CFSEU-BC)

Roman Tassone, 28, is facing two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. (Photo supplied by CFSEU-BC)

As for those who have been arrested:

• Jonathan Lutar, 39, is facing five charges in relation to drugs, trafficking and involvement with a criminal organization.
• Courtney Lafreniere, 41, is facing three charges in relation to drug trafficking.
• Oakley Charest, 34, is facing seven charges in relation to weapons and drug trafficking.
• Matthew Shaw, 31, is facing four charges in relation to involvement with a criminal organization and drug trafficking.
• Allan Arcangel, 51 is facing three charges in relation to drug trafficking.

Read More: Charges laid against alleged Vancouver drug-traffickers

It’s the second bust made in the past few weeks that have ties to organized crime. On Nov. 29, the CFSEU announced a litany of charges approved against members suspected to be part of The Wolfpack organized crime group.