AN investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) into alleged drug trafficking has resulted in the seizure of drugs, firearms and cash.
In May 2022, CFSEU-BC’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET) conducted a vehicle stop which uncovered evidence of a suspected alleged drug trafficking operation in the Lower Mainland.
An investigation led investigators to execute four search warrants on January 11, 2023, on residences in Langley, Maple Ridge, and Abbotsford.
The following items were seized:
– A single 9mm handgun believed to be a privately made firearm (PMF);
– Two automatic rifles;
– Approximately $26,000;
– Multiple prohibited magazines complete with ammunition;
– A small quantity of crack cocaine/fentanyl; and
– Drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking.
On December 15, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) approved several drug and firearms related offences.
Richard Angelo Pignatelli, 22, of Abbotsford is charged with:
* Two counts of possession of a loaded restricted or prohibited firearm
* One count of possession of a prohibited device, over capacity magazine
* One count of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
Dykoda James Erwood, 22, of Maple Ridge is charged with:
* one count of possession of a controlled substance, cocaine
* one count of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine
* One count of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
A summons has been issued for Pignatelli and Erwood to make a first court appearance on January 11, 2024.
“This investigation speaks to the collaborative effectiveness of our UGET as well as our investigative teams when disrupting and investigating the activities of those individuals that threaten our communities through gang or organized crime activity,” said Inspector Mark Goodall, Investigations Officer for CFSEU-BC, on Monday. “Working collaboratively together and with our law enforcement partners is integral to the overall efforts to ensure public safety in our province.”
