Probe into overdose deaths prompts charges
Abbotsford police have seized a massive quantity of drugs and cash in an investigation that was launched this October following the suspected overdose deaths of five people within 10 hours.
On Oct. 27, five people, all between the ages of 40 to 67, were found dead inside their Abbotsford homes as a result of suspected drug overdoses. Police then launched a probe into high-level traffickers in the area who provide fentanyl and other drugs to local dealers. On Nov. 23, police raided a home, multiple storage lockers and three cars as part of the bust. The search yielded $46,000 in cash, weapons, drugs and other materials related to drug trafficking.
About two kilograms of drugs were seized, included amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and MDMA, as well as six kilograms of materials used for the production of methamphetamine and MDMA. Lab results later showed traces of carfentanil in some of the drugs seized and that some of the cocaine had also been contaminated with fentanyl.
“These arrests will have a significant impact on the drug trade in our downtown core,” said Insp. Tom Chesley.
“The presence of fentanyl and carfentanil in drugs is a clear indication that drug dealers have no regard for human life, and that they are only concerned with making a profit.”
As a result, five people were arrested. Two men have since been charged for trafficking of drugs and weapons, a man and a woman have been released pending charge approval, and the fifth person is an Alberta man who was arrested on outstanding warrants for fraud.
Brian Vincent MacDonald, 53, is charged with eight counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. He is known to police and has an “extensive criminal history.” He has been previously convicted for possession for the purpose of trafficking, mostly recently in 2015.
Jason Clifford Richardson, 45, was also charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Bryan Howell, 36, was arrested on a number of fraud-related charges that originated in Alberta.