Richmond To Surrey Drug Line Snares 8 Alleged Criminals, Including Two South Asians

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This drug line utilized a “dial-a-dope” technique whereby drug users would call a central phone number to have drugs delivered.  Among the 8 people arrested are Ashneel Prasad, 30, of Surrey and Alvin Kumar Sharma, 37, also of Surrey.

By R. Paul Dhillon

SURREY – A Richmond to Surrey drug line, which the Richmond RCMP Organized Crime Unit (OCU) targeted since June 2014, led to eight arrests, including two South Asian men, who were part of the alleged criminal group which was allegedly selling Cocaine, Heroin, and Methamphetamine.

Among those arrested are Ashneel Prasad, 30, of Surrey and Alvin Kumar Sharma, 37, also of Surrey.

Over the course of eight (8) months, a comprehensive investigation ensued whereby officers from the Richmond RCMP OCU gathered evidence against a number of individuals allegedly operating this drug line. This line utilized a “dial-a-dope” technique whereby drug users would call a central phone number to have drugs delivered.

Police surveillance observed drug trafficking deliveries throughout Richmond and Surrey ranging from residential neighbourhoods, shopping malls, and other public venues.

On January 27, 2015, search warrants were executed by the Richmond RCMP OCU at two (2) locations in Richmond and an additional location in Surrey. Officers made a total of eight (8) arrests and seized items including:

•             Cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, marihuana, and heroin packaged for street sale

•             Three (3) vehicles, one of which was equipped with a hidden compartment

•             A single barrelled shot gun

•             Approximately $56 000 in Canadian currency

Richmond RCMP OCU officers gathered evidence against eleven (11) individuals. On March 10, 2015 charges were approved by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada against all eleven (11) individuals. They are facing multiple charges including Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking, and Trafficking in a Controlled Substance.

The persons charged are:

•             Patrick Befus, 39, of Victoria, BC

•             Clay Sidney Crawford, 35, of Delta, BC

•             Catherine Jane Pepper, 37, of Richmond, BC

•             Travis Pete, 24, of Richmond, BC

•             Ashneel Prasad, 30, of Surrey, BC

•             Alvin Kumar Sharma, 37, of Surrey, BC

•             Christopher Lance Silva, 32, of Surrey, BC

•             Jo-Ann Spencer, 51, of Delta, BC

Presently 3 of the 11 accused remain at large and are wanted on arrest warrants. They are:

•             Andrew Weir, 30 years of Surrey, BC – 3 counts of trafficking

•             Jason Requena-Hurlburt, 21, of Vancouver, BC – 19 counts of trafficking

•             Geoffrey Ambridge, 30, of Calgary, AB – 13 Counts of trafficking

“Extensive planning, team work, and dedication all contributed to this successful operation. We are confident that the remaining three will soon be located.” said Sgt. Chin Lee of the Richmond RCMP Serious Crimes Unit.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the three (3) wanted individuals is asked to contact their local police or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).