8 charged relating to alleged drug trafficking operation across Lower Mainland

Eight people have been charged after an investigation into an alleged drug trafficking operation across the Lower Mainland.

Police say five men and three women are facing a total of 31 charges after a joint operation between the Langley RCMP and the province’s anti-gang agency, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC (CFSEU-BC).

Starting in December 2022, the two agencies began a joint investigation that led to a number of searches being conducted in Richmond, Coquitlam, Surrey, and Langley between April and May 2023.

The searches resulted in the eight arrests and the seizure of cash, weapons, vehicles, and drug-making supplies. Police seized a number of drugs including fentanyl with a street value of $3.47 million and MDMA worth $2.96 million.

“This investigation resulted in the disruption and individuals charged in an alleged drug trafficking operation of an organized crime group manufacturing and trafficking potentially deadly synthetic drugs such as fentanyl in our communities,” said Insp. Todd Thomas, senior investigating officer for the CFSEU-BC.

“Our mandate and ability to work with our partner agencies to investigate across multiple jurisdictions allows us to target gang members and groups who impact public safety in multiple communities and hold them accountable for the harm they bring to our communities.”

All but one of those arrested have been released pending their scheduled court date on Aug. 14. One 31-year-old man remains in custody.