7 charged in Metro Vancouver drug trafficking operation: RCMP

Seven people are facing multiple charges in connection to a drug trafficking operation within Metro Vancouver, according to Mounties.

Starting in 2020, the Coquitlam RCMP says its Drug and Organized Crime Unit launched an investigation called Project ENEOWISE.

Mounties say the project targeted “known drug traffickers” in multiple areas, including Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Richmond, and Vancouver.

Throughout 2021, Mounties and police from various jurisdictions, along with specialized teams, executed several search warrants and seized dozens of items.

In the searches, more than 10 kilograms of drugs were found, police say, including:

• Three kilograms of fentanyl
• 5.4 kilograms of cocaine
• 866 grams of methamphetamine
• 1.8 kilograms of MDMA
• 828 grams of ketamine
• 100 OxyContin pills
• 8 kilograms of cutting agents

Throughout 2021, Mounties and police from various jurisdictions, along with specialized teams, executed several search warrants and seized dozens of items. (Courtesy Coquitlam RCMP)

Various weapons and ammunition were also seized, including:

• 12 semi-auto carbines
• 11 handguns

Additionally, four vehicles were also seized by police.

Following the investigation, seven people have been arrested, including four people from Coquitlam, Mounties say.

Mounties say 27-year-old Joshawa Hall has been charged with conspiracy to traffic in controlled substances, possession of restricted firearms with ammunition, careless storage of firearms, possession for the purpose of trafficking, and unauthorized possession of firearms.

Mounties add 27-year-old Luka Cipin has been charged with conspiracy to traffic in controlled substances, possession of restricted firearms with ammunition, careless storage of firearms, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Meanwhile, 28-year-old Owen Cooper has been charged with conspiracy to traffic in controlled substances, possession of restricted firearms with ammunition, careless storage of firearms, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Also in Coquitlam, 30-year-old Katrina Desjarlais has been charged with trafficking in controlled substances.

A Port Coquitlam resident has also been charged with trafficking in controlled substances.

An Albertan has also been charged, Mounties say — 26-year-old Tanner Kadylo has been charged with trafficking in controlled substances.

“Project Eneowise yielded fantastic results with charges being laid against seven individuals, and the seizure of guns, drugs, cash, and vehicles, said Supt. Keith Bramhill with the Coquitlam RCMP said.

“The success of this project demonstrates the unwavering commitment to aggressively pursuing organized crime networks working within the Vancouver Lower Mainland. We will continue to enforce against the illegal drug trade and disrupt criminal networks often to create safer communities.”