The charges are mounting against members of the Red Scorpion gang and their associates.
Delta Police announced Tuesday that seven men linked to the notorious gang are facing dozens of additional charges stemming from an investigation into a dial-a-dope operation in the city.
Some of those charged, including high-ranking Red Scorpion Kyle Latimer, were also arrested last week in a Vancouver Police Department-led investigation into several Lower Mainland gangs involved in the drug trade.
The two investigations have resulted in 186 charges in total.
Delta Police started “Project Green Planet” in March 2017 after learning about the dial-a-dope line based in Richmond, which was supplying product to South Delta and Vancouver.
Undercover Delta officers made several drug purchases and eventually identified the line managers and suppliers to be Red Scorpion gang members and associates.
“As we’ve conveyed to the community in the past, we are primarily interested in targeting the drug traffickers and not the drug users. If we can break the illicit drug trade supply lines, even if it’s only temporarily, we can save lives and reduce connected property crime stemming from drug addiction,” Delta Staff Sgt. Heath Newton said in a news release.
Red Scorpion ring seized during investigation
Search warrants were executed last fall in Richmond and Burnaby, resulting in the seizure of $50,000 to $100,000 worth of street level drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine and heroin.
Also seized were two semi-automatic rifle, two pistols, bulletproof vest, an axe and a machete.
Four luxury vehicles, $52,000 in cash and $30,000 were also seized.
Related
Latimer is facing 19 charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, firearms offences and breach of conditions.
His fellow Red Scorpion members Jacob Angelo Pereira, 25, and Anduele Jonathon Pikeintio, 22, each face 14 new charges. Each was also charged in the VPD-led investigation last week.
Red Scorpion Khaadim Kwame Coddett, 26, is charged with 19 counts for trafficking, possession of firearms and breach of conditions.
And Red Scorpion associate Billie Onare Kim, 33, is facing 14 charges, while James Albert Souliere and Darryl Rick Whitson each face several trafficking counts.
Police are looking for Pikeintio, Kim, Souliere and Whitson.
Delta Police Chief Neil Dubord said the arrests “will have a significant impact on gangs operating in the Metro Vancouver area.”
“Yes, gangsters and their associates may reap some short-term profits. But we want the public, and those who may be considering getting involved in gangs, to know that the end is inevitable. Whether it’s by violence through a rival gang, or through the justice system, you will be held accountable for your criminal activity,” he said.
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Bushmaster 5.56 semi-automatic
Red Scorpion necklace seized during investigation
2012 BMW X5 — one of four vehicles seized during the investigation