Abbotsford anti-gang unit sends message with major arrest

The Abbotsford Police Department’s new anti-gang unit has made one of its most significant arrests to date.

According to a news release from the APD, 22-year-old Harniel Singh was first arrested on March 24.

After APD officers attempted to stop Singh’s vehicle, believing him to be involved in the drug trade, he sped away, hitting a police vehicle. He was followed covertly, with the assistance of a police helicopter, a dog unit, and officers from the B.C. Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit. He was arrested after parking his vehicle in Coquitlam.

Singh was charged with flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, driving while prohibited, and failure to remain at an accident, police said.

Then on Thursday, Singh was arrested again, this time on a warrant for allegedly uttering threats.

Once again he attempted to get away, police allege, this time abandoning his vehicle to run, but he was arrested with the use of a police dog.

A search of Singh turned up a large quantity of fentanyl and crack cocaine, pre-packaged for sale, police alleged, leading to additional charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, and obstruction.

Police said that 19-year-old Shahid Sirah Patel, who was with Singh at the time of his arrest, is now facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking as well. Both men remained in custody Friday, pending a court appearance.

Sgt. Judy Bird said that, while the APD gang crime unit has made other arrests since its formation in February, this is one of the most significant, and sends a message to gang members and drug traffickers in the area.

Also Thursday, the New Westminster Police Department’s street crime unit made a significant arrest of its own, taking two men into custody and searching an address in Delta. The search turned up drugs with a street value of $6,000.