A 17-year-old male was taken into custody on Wednesday (June 28) and charged with two counts of trafficking in a controlled substance, and one count each of possession for the purpose of trafficking, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, fail to stop for police and breach of undertaking.
The Abbotsford Police Department’s Gang Task Force attempted to pull over the male in his vehicle on Highway #11, however, the 17-year-old male failed to stop for the police, ran a red light and went into oncoming traffic at a high rate of speed attempting to evade the police. The male parked the vehicle and was arrested a short time later by police. Early indication is that the drugs seized contain fentanyl.
The identity of the accused is protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act. This is the second arrest in the past two weeks of young people connected to the Lower Mainland Gang Conflict.
On June 21, Abbotsford Police had announced the arrest of Akshay Sachdeva, 18, who is associated to the Lower Mainland conflict. He was charged with four counts of possession for the purposes of trafficking in controlled substances (including fentanyl) as a result of their investigation after they executed a search warrant at his home on June 7. He was on a recognizance of bail for a May 26 assault charge at the time of this arrest.
On June 14, Abbotsford Police arrested 18-year-old Inderdeep Minhas for failure to appear in court on charges connected to three firearms-related weapons offences and for obstructing a police officer.
Police, in an unusual move, released a photo of Minhas being arrested, apparently in a move to send a strong message to youth involved in the gang conflict and their families that such a lifestyle is not the best choice to make.
The mandate of the APD Gang Task Force is to specifically focus their efforts on individuals involved in the current Lower Mainland Gang Conflict and to improve public safety through targeted enforcement.
Contact the Abbotsford Police Gang Unit for information on warning signs for gang involvement and risk factors as well as help with getting yourself or someone you care about out of the gang life. Contact police at helpyouth@abbypd.ca or call 604-864-4777.
