One man still at large related to drug ring between Fraser Valley, Peace Region

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC has confirmed that a man who was wanted in connection with a drug trafficking ring working between the Fraser Valley and Northeastern B.C. last year has been found, but another man still remains at large on an arrest warrant.

Dana Schaper-Kotter has turned himself into the Chilliwack RCMP, but Lucas Thiessen is still wanted by officers.

59-year-old Raymond Morrissey has also been located since a warrant was executed for his arrest, but the CFSEU-BC says he is currently out of custody on recognizance.

“This investigation crossed the province and required a sustained and collaborative effort by our investigators,” says Chief Superintendent Kevin Hackett, Chief Officer of the CFSEU-BC.

“We remain steadfast and committed to relentlessly pursuing those who wish to bring harm to our communities regardless of where they are.”

On Feb. 15, 50 more charges have now been approved against five people from Chilliwack involved the alleged drug trafficking was taking place. At the end of that investigation, which started in 2014, several people were arrested, and millions of dollars worth of illegal drugs were seized.

In February 2015, the CFSEU-BC issued search warrants on two properties in Chilliwack and arrested four men and one women.

In December of last year, Crown Counsel approved charges against three of the men originally arrested in connection to this investigation.

Charges have been approved against 26-year-old Jordan Anthony Ramos, a 26-year-old. Ramos is charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. He is currently in custody in Grand Prairie on charges unrelated to this matter.

25-year-old Dana Mikael Hendrick Schaper-Kotter is charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and 12 counts of possession of a prohibited device.

23-year-old Darcy Horvath is charged with nine counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and 12 counts of possession of a prohibited device.

22-year-old Lucas Benjamin Thiessen is charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

25-year-old Kyle Harrower is charged with five counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Darcy Horvath, who is currently in custody, appeared in Chilliwack Provincial Court on Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. Kyle Harrower will next appear in court on April 12, 2016 at 9:30 a.m., and he is currently out on bail.

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris said fentanyl is an ‘extremely dangerous drug’ that is proving to have widespread consequences in various parts of the province.

“These latest arrests show that organized criminal groups don’t just operate in the Lower Mainland – their influence spans British Columbia,” Morris said.

“These arrests also highlight the importance of B.C.’s integrated teams like CFSEU-BC working together province-wide to ensure those who deal in drugs and all of the criminal activity that goes along with it are brought to justice.”

Many RCMP detachments contributed to the investigation, including UFVRD RCMP, Fort St. John RCMP, Dawson Creek RCMP, Prince George RCMP, and Quesnel RCMP.