Trafficking, drug possession and firearms related offences are among the significant number of charges laid against two Burnaby residents last week.
The charges stem from a 21-month investigation by Surrey RCMP into an alleged drug trafficking ring operating in the Lower Mainland, according to a media release from Surrey RCMP.
The alleged operation was based in Surrey, and on Sept. 5, 2014, local Mounties executed four search warrants, seizing an undisclosed amount of drugs, including fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA and oxycodone. Police also seized several firearms and cash, stated the release.
Seven months later, Crown counsel approved charges against 13 people, eight of who were arrested by Surrey RCMP on March 20, including 24-year-old Burnaby resident Mona Khodabandehloo.
In total, Khodabandehloo and two others accused in the trafficking operation are facing a total of 36 counts of trafficking, four counts of possession of controlled drugs and seven firearms-related charges.
A second Burnaby resident, Lester Ray, 60, was also charged in connection with the Surrey drug ring but remains at large. A warrant for Ray’s arrest was issued, along with charges, including two counts of trafficking. Court services online lists Burnaby as the city of offence for the trafficking charges.
Of the other 11 people charged, one person is from Port Coquitlam, one is from Delta, and nine are Surrey residents. Two youths from Surrey were also charged.
