B.C. police say a May 2022 vehicle stop began an investigation into alleged drug trafficking that resulted in the seizure of drugs, firearms and cash.
Two 22-year-old men — one from Maple Ridge and the other from Abbotsford — have been charged.
The vehicle stop was done by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET).
"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 CFSEU-BC Insp. Mark Goodall.
Investigators executed four search warrants at residences in Langley, Maple Ridge and Abbotsford on Jan. 11.
Police said they seized:
• a 9mm handgun believed to be a privately made firearm;
• two automatic rifles;
• about $26,000 in Canadian cash;
• multiple prohibited magazines complete with ammunition;
• a small quantity of crack cocaine/fentanyl; and,
• drug paraphernalia consistent with trafficking.
The Public Prosecution Service of Canada approved drug and firearm offences Dec. 15.
Richard Angelo Pignatelli 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; and,
• one count of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
James Erwood Dykoda of Maple Ridge is charged with:
• one count of possession of a controlled substance, specifically cocaine;
• one count of possession of a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine; and,
• one count of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Pignatelli and Dykoda are expected to make a first court appearance Jan. 11.
