Key Moments
Four Men Plead Guilty
Four men have pled guilty to various drug trafficking and related charges as a result of a CFSEU-BC led investigation.Charges and Seizures in 2022
On December 6, 2022, seven men were charged with multiple drug offences leading to seizures of firearms and illegal drugs, including involvement of a Hells Angels member.Details of Individual Guilty Pleas
Specific guilty pleas were entered by Oakley Charest, Matthew Shaw, Jonathan Lutar, and Courtney Lafreniere with respective drug and weapon charges.Collaboration and Investigation Impact
The multi-jurisdictional investigation involved cooperation among various police units and addressed the dangers of fentanyl in the province.Four Guilty Pleas in CFSEU-BC Drug Trafficking Investigation
Four (4) men have pled guilty after being charged with several criminal offences following a Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) led drug investigation in early 2020 which quickly led investigators to believe the individuals involved were suspects in an alleged large- scale, inter-provincial drug trafficking operation on behalf of a criminal organization.
On December 6, 2022 seven (7) men were charged by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) with several drug-related offences. The investigation resulted in the seizure of firearms, various illegal drugs, and twenty-five (25) criminal charges against individuals, including a full-patch member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club’s Haney Chapter.
Original media release here: https://bit.ly/3riTBXC
On May 31, 2023, Oakley Charest pled guilty to Drug Trafficking, Possession of a Firearm, and Possession
of Prohibited/Restricted Firearm.
On May 31, 2023, Matthew Shaw pled guilty to Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking.
On September 25, 2023, Jonathan Lutar pled guilty to Drug Trafficking.
On September 27, 2023, Courtney Lafreniere, a full patch Hells Angels member, pled guilty to Proceeds of Crime.
Roman Tassone’s next court appearance is in October as he is awaiting the judicial process.
“This was a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation affecting several communities,” says, Sergeant Brenda Winpenny, the CFSEU-BC spokesperson. “Illegal drugs, including Fentanyl, is an extremely dangerous drug that is proving to have widespread consequences in our province. This investigation is a testament to the dedication and tenacity of our investigators to hold those, who deal in drugs and are involved in criminal activity, to account and brought to justice.”
CFSEU-BC worked closely with several investigative bodies and would like to thank the Vancouver Police Department, various RCMP support units, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team.
Media Spokesperson: Sergeant Brenda Winpenny
Cell: 604-838-6800
Email: Brenda.Winpenny@cfseu.bc.ca
