BC Prosecution approves 36 charges against 6 people involved in drug trafficking ring

Six British Columbians have been changed for their connection to drug trafficking in the Lower Mainland, the RCMP said.

In a news release, police said that the BC Prosecution Service has approved a total of 36 charges and issued a warrant for one man.

The charges stem from an eight-month long investigation by the Burnaby RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Section, which was completed in 2022.

The RCMP said that the project has “severely” disrupted the group which was a “major source of illicit drugs” which have been causing widespread deaths in the Burnaby area and violence against others involved in the illicit drug trade.

Investigators seized about half a kilogram of illicit drugs including cocaine, heroin, ketamine and fentanyl and 1,700 pills like oxycodon, benzodiazepine and hydromorphone, as well as more than $26,000 in cash.

Ryan Naidu, 27, has been charged with one count of assault peace officer, one count of trafficking and 14 counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking (PPT).

Preshika Chand, 27, is facing 11 counts of PPT.

Austin Reddy, 27, three counts of trafficking in controlled substances

An unnamed young person is facing one count of trafficking in controlled substances.

Douglas Atkins, 62, has been charged with four counts of trafficking in controlled substances.

Nabil Dean, 26, is facing one count of trafficking in controlled substances.

Some of the accused have been arrested and released with conditions.

However, Atkins is wanted on an outstanding warrant. He is described as a white male with grey hair and a slim build and the Burnaby RCMP have provided a picture.

“This group was a particularly violent drug trafficking organization run by lower mainland gangs involved in the LMD gang conflict,” said Sgt Randy Mortensen with Burnaby RCMP’s Drug and Organized Crime Section

“The group had been targeted by other rival gangs, leaving some of the original suspects murdered or injured.”

Anyone with information about Atkins is asked to contact Burnaby RCMP at (604) 646-9999 and refer to file number 2022-2094. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.