FOUR 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 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 25 criminal charges against individuals, including a full-patch member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club’s Haney Chapter.
* Oakley Charest pled guilty to drug trafficking, possession of firearm, and possession of prohibited / restricted firearm on May 31.
* Matthew Shaw pled guilty to possession for the purpose of trafficking on May 31.
* Jonathan Lutar pled guilty to drug trafficking on September 25.
* Courtney Lafreniere, a full patch Hells Angels member, pled guilty to proceeds of crime on September 27.
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 communites,” said Sgt. Brenda Winpenny, CFSEU-BC spokesperson. “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 including the Vancouver Police Department, various RCMP support units, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team.