CFSEU-BC Investigation into Inter-Provincial Drug Trafficking Operation Leads to Charges and Seizure of Drugs, Cash and Firearms

An approximate year-long investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) Anti-Trafficking Task Force (ATTF) has resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of drugs, firearms, and cash.

In early 2021, CFSEU-BC’s ATTF began a drug investigation, working collaboratively, with policing partners in Manitoba that led investigators to individuals believed to be involved in a large-scale, trans-Canada drug trafficking operation based in British Columbia.

The investigation continued to progress leading investigators to conduct four search warrants at residences in the lower mainland area and the arrest of three men.

Between August 17th and 24th, 2022 four search warrants were executed in the lower mainland area and the following items were seized:

• Various illegal drugs in approx. amounts;
  • 1 kg of fentanyl plus 1713 pills containing fentanyl
  • 6 kg of methamphetamine
  • 5 kg of cocaine
  • 1 kg of MDMA
  • 2 kg of MDA
  • 407 tabs of LSD
  • 350 grams of psilocybin
  • 6 kg of benzodiazepine
  • 1 kg of phenacetin
  • Other small amounts of ketamine and marihuana
• 5 kg in cutting agents
• Approximately $250,000 CDN cash
• Crypto currency believed to be valued at $194,000 at the time it was seized.
• 26 firearms, including 4 restricted hand-guns, prohibited magazines and ammunition
• Various drug trafficking items and paraphernalia; score sheets, drug packaging and mixing paraphernalia, cell phones and computer flash drives
• 4 vehicles 

Although firearms were not the main focus of this investigation, CFSEU-BC seized a large number of restricted and non- restricted firearms and ammunition taking them out of the hands of individuals who may intend on using them for a criminal purpose, threatening the safety of our communities.

On December 13, 2023, The Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC), approved several drug and firearms related offences;

Alexander Demetrios Fasogiannis, a 34-year-old male from Coquitlam is charged with the following offences;

• 1 count – Trafficking a controlled substance, fentanyl, sec. 5(1) of the Controlled Drug and Substance Act, (CDSA);
• 2 counts -Trafficking a controlled substance, methamphetamine, sec. 5(1) CDSA;
• 1 count – Possession of a controlled substance, cocaine, sec. 5(2) CDSA;
• 1 count – Possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, sec. 5(2) CDSA;
• 1 count – unauthorized possession of loaded prohibited or restricted firearm, Glock 21sf handgun, sec. 95(1) Criminal Code of Canada (CCC);
• 1 count – unauthorized possession of an unloaded prohibited or restricted firearm, Glock 21sf handgun, with accessible ammunition, sec. 95(1) CCC;
• 1 count – unlawful storage of a firearm, sec. 86(1) CCC;
• 1 count – unlawfully possess a prohibited or restricted firearm, Glock 21sf handgun, sec. 91(1) CCC;
• 1 count – unlawfully possess a prohibited device, an over capacity magazine, sec. 91(2) CCC.

A summons has been issued for Alexander Demetrios Fasogiannis to make a first court appearance on January 8, 2024.

“This investigation led to the disruption of an alleged cross-Canada drug trafficking operation that took drugs and firearms off our streets preventing the potential harm they cause to our communities,” says Superintendent Kevin O’Donnell, CFSEU-BC’s Deputy Operations Officer.  “Working collaboratively with our law enforcement partners is integral to fulfilling our mandate to disrupt, suppress and prosecute organized crime in our province.”

CFSEU-BC would like to thank and recognize the following agencies for their assistance throughout the investigation; Brandon Police Service, RCMP – Manitoba West District Crime Reduction Enforcement Support Team (CREST), Coquitlam RCMP, Ridge Meadows RCMP and Lower Mainland District Integrated Emergency Response Team.

Media Spokesperson: Sergeant Brenda Winpenny

Cell: 604-838-6800

E-mail: Brenda.Winpenny@cfseu.bc.ca