Sentencing has now been handed down to the last individual criminally charged in a 2014 Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) investigation into the drug trafficking activities of a Fraser Valley crime cell.
The group, that included high-profile Chilliwack gangster Clayton Eheler, was operating primarily out of the Upper Fraser valley and B.C.’s north.
The investigation resulted in the arrests of several people and the seizure of millions of dollars’ worth of illegal and potentially deadly drugs.
On Nov 22, 2019, Darcy Horvath, 28, from Chilliwack, pleaded guilty to several drug-related and firearms offences in relation to this investigation. On Feb. 25, 2021, Horvath was sentenced to four years in jail for the drug offences and 2.5 years in jail for the firearms offences, a DNA order, 10-year firearm ban, and forfeiture of all items seized in relation to the investigation.
His sentencing was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sentencing has now been handed down to the last person criminally charged in a 2014 #CFSEUBC investigation into the drug trafficking activities of a Fraser Valley crime cell operating out of the Upper Fraser Valley & B.C.’s North.
Read more: https://t.co/KBCJQUmbVj#EndGangLife pic.twitter.com/PmaMHpLiwD— CFSEU-BC (@cfseubc) March 17, 2021
The investigation dates back to November 2014, when 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.
Eheler was sentenced to nine years in prison in November 2019 in connection with the case, but he is currently out on bail pending an appeal.
READ MORE: Chilliwack drug trafficker out on bail pending conviction appeal
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 (commonly referred to as “silencers”), and more than $200,000 in cash. Also seized was over $2 million dollars worth of drugs, which included a large quantity of the dangerous drug Fentanyl.
READ MORE: Chilliwack drug syndicate facing 50 charges
READ MORE: Chilliwack Mounties say they are making a difference with drug traffickers
Then in May 2015, the CFSEU-BC North District investigators observed a meeting that occurred in an isolated area just outside of Fort St John. 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 kilograms of powdered cocaine, 1.6 kilograms 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 Feb. 15, 2016, federal Crown Counsel approved a total of 50 more criminal charges against five additional men arrested in this investigation.
“This was a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation affecting several areas throughout the province,” said CFSEU-BC spokesperson Sgt. Brenda Winpenny. “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.”
RELATED: Chilliwack man wanted in connection to alleged drug ring turns himself in
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: editor@theprogress.com
@PeeJayAitchLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.