Sentencing complete for drug traffickers with ties in Northern B.C.

SURREY, B.C. – Those found guilty in a drug trafficking investigation, that involved Fort St. John RCMP, have now all received sentencing.

A Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) investigation that began in 2014 in Chilliwack, targeting a Fraser Valley crime syndicate, has resulted in the seizure of millions of dollars worth of illegal drugs. The group operated out of Upper Fraser Valley and northern B.C.

“This was a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation affecting several areas throughout the province,” says Sergeant Brenda Winpenny, the CFSEU-BC spokesperson. “Illegal drugs, more specifically Fentanyl, is an extremely dangerous drug that is proving to have widespread consequences in our province. This investigation is a testament to the dedication and tenacity of our investigators to hold those who deal in drugs and are involved in criminal activity to account and brought to justice.”

CFSEU-BC worked closely with several investigative bodies and would like to thank the UFVRD RCMP, Fort St. John RCMP, Dawson Creek RCMP, Prince George RCMP, and Quesnel RCMP.

Sentencing has been issued to the following, according to CFSEU-BC :

On November 22nd, 2019, Darcy Horvath,28, from Chilliwack, pleaded guilty to several drug-related and firearms offences in relation to the investigation. On February 25th, 2021, Horvath was sentenced to four years in jail for drug offences, two and a half years in jail for firearms offences, a DNA order, 10-year firearm ban, and forfeiture of all items seized in relation to the investigation.

In November 2014, CFSEU-BC executed a search warrant on an apartment building in Chilliwack. The suite was occupied by both Mathew Thiessen and Clayton Eheler, both of whom have since been found guilty and sentenced, at the time of entry. The search resulted in the seizure of eight kilograms of powder cocaine and one kilogram of crack cocaine; along with a large cocaine press, cutting agent and packaging materials.

In February 2015, the CFSEU-BC executed search warrants on two properties in Chilliwack and arrested four males and one female. The search of two residences and three storage lockers resulted in the seizure of eight firearms, prohibited magazines, suppressors, or “silencers”, and more than $200,000 in cash. Also seized was over $2 million worth of drugs, including a large quantity of the dangerous drug Fentanyl.

In May 2015, the CFSEU-BC North District investigators observed a meeting in an isolated area just outside of Fort St John, B.C. A subsequent search of an associated vehicle resulted in the arrests of two more men connected to this investigation, and the seizure of approximately 1.8 kg of powdered cocaine, 1.6 kg of crack cocaine, and $138,000 in cash.

In December 2015, Crown Counsel approved charges against three of the men originally arrested in connection to this investigation.

On February 15th, 2016, the Federal Crown Counsel approved a total of 50 more criminal charges against five additional men arrested in this investigation.

On November 20, 2019, CFSEU-BC issued a media release with an update on the sentencing of four individuals charged in relation to this investigation.