Police are asking for public help in finding a Surrey man who is wanted on weapons trafficking charges and is considered armed and dangerous.
Gang task force officers began investigating 24-year-old Marco Miguel Prata Matias in March, when they seized an SKS rifle, a Glock 9-mm pistol and a semi-automatic KRISS rifle loaded with .45 calibre shells.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit has made “extensive” but unsuccessful attempts to find Matias since then, said Sgt. Lindsey Houghton.
“In the hands of criminals, the guns he is alleged to have trafficked are extremely dangerous and we want him in custody before he can sell more,” Houghton said.
Matias is wanted on 19 firearm trafficking or possession charges.
He is described as a a five-foot-nine white male weighing 190 pounds. He has short dark brown hair and brown eyes. Matias has a tattoo of “Matias” on his upper back.
Police don’t know where he may be living or what vehicles he might be seen in.
Houghton said Matias is considered armed and dangerous and the public are asked not to approach him if they see him. Instead, call 911 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous tip online at www.bccrimestoppers.com.
