ON Saturday, March 24, the Abbotsford Police Department’s newly formed Gang Crime Unit (GCU), with the assistance of APD Patrol officers, attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be involved in the drug trade. The vehicle sped away from police, striking a marked police vehicle.
With the assistance of Police Helicopter Air 1, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC), and the LMD Police Dog Service, the vehicle was followed covertly. The driver was arrested when he stepped out of the vehicle after parking in Coquitlam.
Harniel Singh, 22, was charged with flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, driving while prohibited, and failure to remain at an accident.
On Thursday, April 5, only 12 days after Harniel Singh’s previous arrest, the APD Gang Crime Unit, with the assistance of Police Helicopter Air 1, the IRSU Prohibited Driver Enforcement Team and the LMD Police Dog Service, located and arrested him on outstanding charges of uttering threats. A police service dog was required to apprehend him as he attempted to flee on foot when APD officers pulled over the vehicle he was in.
Once in custody, a search of Harniel Singh netted a large quantity of fentanyl and crack cocaine, pre-packaged for sale. As a result, he has been further charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, and obstruction.
At the time of his arrest, Harniel Singh was in the company of 19-year-old Shahid Sirah Patel, who is also now facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking in fentanyl and cocaine.
Police said the APD’s Gang Crime Unit continues to target those individuals who are nvolved in criminal activities within the Abbotsford area, focusing on parties linked to the ongoing Lower Mainland Gang Conflict.
Parents of youth involved in gangs or drug trafficking are encouraged to seek assistance by contacting the APD’s Youth Help Line at 604-864-4777. The APD has numerous drug use prevention resources on its website (http://www.abbypd.ca/illegal-
Please report crime and share information by contacting the Abbotsford Police Department at 604-859-5225. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222- 8477, or report online at solvecrime.ca.
