CFSEU-BC Investigation into Drug Trafficking Leads to Charges and Seizure of Drugs and Firearms
An investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) into alleged drug trafficking has resulted in the seizure of drugs, firearms, and cash.
In May 2022, CFSEU-BC’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET) conducted a vehicle stop which uncovered evidence of a suspected alleged drug trafficking operation in the lower mainland of British Columbia (B.C.).
An investigation was initiated and progressed leading investigators to conduct four search warrants at residences in the lower mainland of B.C.
On January 11, 2023, the four search warrants were executed on residences in Langley, Maple Ridge, and Abbotsford which led to the following items being seized:
- A single 9mm handgun believed to be a privately made firearm (PMF);
- 2 Automatic Rifles;
- Approximately $26,000 in Canadian Currency;
- Multiple prohibited magazines complete with ammunition;
- A small quantity of crack cocaine/fentanyl and;
- Drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.
On December 15, 2023, The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC), approved several drug and firearms related offences.
Richard Angelo Pignatelli, a 22-year-old male from Abbotsford is charged with the following offences;
- 2 counts – possession of a loaded restricted or prohibited firearm, sec. 95(1) Criminal Code of Canada (CCC);
- 1 count – possession of a prohibited device, over capacity magazine, sec.91(2) CCC;
- 1 count – possession of property obtained by crime over five thousand dollars, sec. 354(1) CCC.
Dykoda James Erwood, a 22-year-old male from Maple Ridge is charged with the following offences;
- 1 count – possession of a controlled substance, cocaine, sec. 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act, (CDSA);
- 1 count – possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, sec. 5(2) CDSA;
- 1 count – possession of property obtained by crime over five thousand dollars, sec. 354(1) CCC.
A summons has been issued for Pignatelli and Erwood to make a first court appearance on January 11, 2024.
“This investigation speaks to the collaborative effectiveness of our UGET as well as our investigative teams when disrupting and investigating the activities of those individuals that threaten our communities through gang or organized crime activity,” says Inspector Mark Goodall, Investigations Officer for CFSEU-BC. “Working collaboratively together and with our law enforcement partners is integral to the overall efforts to ensure public safety in our province.”
CFSEU-BC would like to thank Ridge Meadows RCMP and the Abbotsford Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.
Media Spokesperson: Sergeant Brenda Winpenny
Cell: 604-838-6800
E-mail: Brenda.Winpenny@cfseu.bc.ca
