Two men from Abbotsford and Maple Ridge have been charged with drug and gun offences following an investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU).
A press release issued Monday (Dec. 18) said the investigation began after the CFSEU’s uniform gang enforcement team stopped a vehicle in May 2022 and found evidence of a drug-trafficking operation.
As part of the investigation, four search warrants were executed on Jan. 11, 2023 at residences in Langley, Maple Ridge and Abbotsford.
ALSO SEE: B.C. man charged for role in alleged national drug trafficking operation
The press release states that the searches led to the discovery and seizure of a 9 mm handgun believed to be privately made, two automatic rifles, $26,000 in cash, several prohibited magazines with ammunition, a small amount of crack cocaine and fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia.
The CFSEU said Richard Angelo Pignatelli, 22, of Abbotsford and Dykoda James Erwood, 22, of Maple Ridge were charged on Dec. 15.
Pignatelli has been charged with two counts of possession of a loaded restricted or prohibited firearm and one count each of possession of a prohibited device and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Erwood has been charged with one count each of possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
The two are scheduled to make their first court appearances on Jan. 11.
ALSO SEE: Three charged after drugs and $24K found at 4 homes, including one in Abbotsford