SURREY RCMP seized a loaded handgun and arrested two men, one who was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for human trafficking, following a traffic stop last week.

On February 25 at 11:18 p.m., the Surrey RCMP Gang Enforcement Team conducted a traffic stop in the 13200-block of old Yale Road. The driver and passenger attempted to flee on foot, but didn’t make it far before they were arrested.

Police said that as the driver attempted to flee, he dropped a loaded handgun and SGET officers took possession of the firearm. The passenger was arrested a short distance away with assistance from the Metro Vancouver Transit Police.

The driver, 27-year-old Loukman Abdullah of Montreal, has been charged with several firearms offences, including possession of a loaded prohibited or restricted firearm and willfully obstruct police. Abdullah has been remanded in custody.

The passenger, 33-year-old Mali Jean of Burnaby, was arrested and further investigation into his identity lead to the discovery that he was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for human trafficking. He has been held in custody until his next appearance in court.

“This is just one example of how proactive police work can help disrupt criminal activity, and in this case, take two suspects and a loaded firearm off our streets,” said Constable Sarbjit K. Sangha, Media Relations Officer. “We know criminal activity is not confined to any city or provincial borders, and greatly appreciate the assistance of our policing partners, including the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, who assisted SGET with these arrests.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477 or www.solvecrime.ca.