Two men charged in connection with what police called a violent drug-trafficking operation will plead not guilty to multiple possession for the purposes of trafficking charges, and are proceeding to trial
Burnaby RCMP said in February that drug charges had been laid against six individuals after an investigation that has "severely disrupted" a violent drug trafficking organization run by gangs involved in the Lower Mainland gang conflict.
The charges against Ryan Naidu and Preshika Chand are connected to incidents in Vancouver, Langley and Burnaby.
Naidu is charged with one count of assaulting a police officer, one count of trafficking and 14 counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Chand is charged with 11 counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Lawyer Ryan Adair appeared for both men’s lawyers before Vancouver Provincial Court Judge Nancy Adams March 25.
Both men have elected trial by provincial court judge.
The case is now being set for a pre-trial conference.
The background
The RCMP detachment's drugs and organized crime section completed the eight-month project in 2022, police said.
Police said the investigation was "extremely complex," the release said, and resulted in the seizure of about half a kilogram of illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin, ketamine and fentanyl, as well as nearly 1,700 pills, such as oxycodone, benzodiazepine and hydromorphone.
More than $26,000 in cash was also seized, police said.
"This group was a particularly violent drug trafficking organization run by Lower Mainland gangs involved in the [Lower Mainland] gang conflict," Burnaby RCMP Sgt. Randy Mortensen said in the release. "The group had been targeted by other rival gangs, leaving some of the original suspects murdered or injured."
A total of 36 charges were laid in December against six individuals.
Others are also charged and remain before the courts.
With files from Cornelia Naylor
