Anmore mayor says helicopters, lavish party ‘beyond unacceptable’
The organizer of a lavish mansion party in Anmore, which featured helicopters and bikini-clad social media influencers, says B.C. can expect “bigger, better and badder” publicity stunts in future, despite objections from some officials.
The party at 35 Birch Wynd, which featured limos, luxury cars, booze and drugs on a Saturday afternoon in the quiet village near Port Moody, has already been discussed by local council, said Mayor John McEwen.
“It’s beyond unacceptable,” he said. “We will do everything we can to stop this from happening again.”
McEwen said he will be checking with Transport Canada about what rules allowed pilots to land two helicopters on a residential property, midday, in a quiet neighbourhood. Council will also be following up with the RCMP.
The party’s organizer, Justin Plosz, boasted on Instagram the party involved three helicopters, seven supercars, police officers and a massive amount of alcohol. He said more than 300 people attended, and referenced Wolf of Wall Street Jordan Belfort, saying, “Nailed it.”
Plosz said Wednesday that B.C. can expect more parties — just not at 35 Birch Wynd.
“They are going to be publicity stunts, wild parties,” said Plosz, owner of Public Relations Canada. “They’re going to make the news and that’s just the way it is.”
Plosz said his tenancy recently ended, but the landlord allowed Plosz and his associates to extend their stay for a few days specifically so they could hold the birthday party for a friend. The Alberta-based entrepreneur said he has been working in B.C. since November and, after the reaction to Saturday’s party, now plans to base himself in Vancouver so he can move “onto bigger, better and badder things.”
Video from the most-recent event was shared on the Facebook account of convicted drug-dealer and helicopter pilot Skeeter Russell, who posted a photo to Instagram of himself posing with two women in front of the same helicopter that can be seen landing at the party. He has a long and well-publicized history of involvement in gang and drug-related activity, including spending significant time in the U.S. prison system, according to Sgt. Brenda Winpenny of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.
Plosz said he only learned Wednesday about Russell’s past.
McEwen said there were cars such as Lamborghinis racing down residential streets where kids play ball, and emergency services were called out after a man overdosed on drugs. Coquitlam RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin said Mounties were called out at about 5:30 p.m. for a noise complaint, and a warning was issued. They were called out again to the same party 2 1/2 hours later for an overdose. The man was treated at the scene but refused further treatment. No charges were laid.
McLaughlin said it’s legal to land helicopters in a residential backyard if the pilot has the permission of the homeowner.
Plosz said the party emptied out by 10:20 p.m.
“I didn’t want and/or intend to do anything that was illegal or make anybody mad, so I’m not worried about any backlash,” he said. “We complied with all of the laws ... I’m just a little smarter than the average bear, I guess.”