THE Delta Police Drug Section on Tuesday announced it has secured 94 charges – the majority against Red Scorpion gang members – after shutting down a significant drug line operating in South Delta.
Project Green Planet was initiated in March 2017 after police were alerted to the presence of a drug line of the same name. Operated as a dial-a-dope line based in Richmond, the drug line supplied South Delta and Vancouver.
The project targeted many of the same individuals named in a major press conference on a multi-agency gang investigation last week in Vancouver (Project Territory). Delta Police’s Project Green Planet was a separate investigation, but Delta Police did communicate with members of the Vancouver Police Department-led task force.
Delta Police officers began their project with street level drug purchases, then gradually investigators identified the line managers and suppliers to be Red Scorpion gang members and associates.
“As we’ve conveyed to the community in the past, we are primarily interested in targeting the drug traffickers and not the drug users. If we can break the illicit drug trade supply lines, even if it’s only temporarily, we can save lives and reduce connected property crime stemming from drug addiction,” said Staff-Sgt. Heath Newton, Delta Police Investigations Bureau.
As police gathered evidence, search warrants were executed in fall 2017 at a variety of locations in Richmond and Burnaby where drug suppliers and line managers were located. Police seized $50,000 to $100,000 worth of street level drugs, including fentanyl, cocaine and heroin. Also seized were:
* 2 semi-automatic rifles
* 2 pistols
* 2 bullet proof vests
* Axe / machete
* Various masks, disguises and items suitable to conduct violent acts.
Additionally, police seized proceeds of crime including: $52,000 in cash, $30,000 in jewelry and four luxury vehicles.
Notably, Delta Police also seized the master phone that controlled the dial-dope operations for South Delta and Richmond. The phone number was well distributed to a customer base and call forwarded to multiple street level dealers, so the removal of the number shut down the line. Seven individuals are now facing a total of 94 charges including:
* Kyle Steven Latimer, 27, of Vancouver and Richmond – 19 charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, firearms offences and breach of conditions. (Red Scorpion)
* Khaadim Kwame Coddett, 26, of Richmond – 19 charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, firearms offences and breach of conditions. (Red Scorpion)
* Billie Onare Kim, 33, of Burnaby – 14 charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, and firearms offences (Red Scorpion associate)
* Jacob Angelo Pereira, 25, of Richmond – 14 charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, and firearms offences (Red Scorpion)
* Anduele Jonathon Pikeintio, 22, of Richmond – 14 charges of trafficking in a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking (Red Scorpion)
* James Albert Souliere, 27, of Richmond – 10 charges of trafficking in a controlled substance
* Darryl Rick Whitson, 27, of Richmond – four charges of trafficking in a controlled substance
“These arrests and charges will have a significant impact on gangs operating in the Metro Vancouver area,” said Delta Police Chief Constable Neil Dubord. “Yes, gangsters and their associates may reap some short-term profits. But we want the public, and those who may be considering getting involved in gangs, to know that the end is inevitable. Whether it’s by violence through a rival gang, or through the justice system, you will be held accountable for your criminal activity.”
