2 men charged with trafficking 'massive amounts' of stolen property in Downtown Eastside, police say
A months-long investigation has led to multiple criminal charges for two Metro Vancouver men allegedly linked to criminal networks trafficking "massive amounts" of stolen property in the Downtown Eastside.
Vancouver police say they launched an undercover sting operation in April, sending officers to the Downtown Eastside to gather evidence related to "rampant trafficking" of stolen goods at a street market on East Hastings Street, between Columbia and Carrall streets.
"These officers saw people openly selling drugs and stolen property," says Insp. Gary Hiar, in a news release.
"Using sophisticated investigative techniques, detectives confirmed that thousands of dollars in stolen property are being moved in and out of the Downtown Eastside every day by people who don't even live in the community."
Officers discovered everything from power tools and electronics still in store packaging to cosmetics, designer clothing and sunglasses that still had anti-theft devices attached to them.
"Although this area has long been a place for marginalized Downtown Eastsiders to find self-worth and make a few dollars by selling second-hand goods, many of those local residents are being pushed out by people who don't live in the neighbourhood, but go there to traffic property," says Hiar.
Police say many locals in the vulnerable neighbourhood are unable to compete with these criminal enterprises and therefore resort back to crime in order to make ends meet.
"The demand for stolen goods is entirely fueled by greed and desperation," says Insp. Alison Laurin. "Impoverished and drug addicted people are now being recruited to steal by predatory fences, who in turn pay pennies on the dollar for stolen goods and resell them to bargain hunters who are all-too-willing to turn a blind eye."
The B.C. Prosecution Service has approved charges against two men who police believe were using the street market to traffic stolen property.
Police say 43-year-old Aaron Castillo-Anguiano from Vancouver has been charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and two counts of possession of proceeds of crime.
He was arrested on June 16 and released from custody pending his next court appearance.
As part of his release conditions, Castillo-Anguiano is now banned from all flea markets, as well as any place in Vancouver that deals with second-hand goods, police say.
Surrey resident Nezamoddin Jelali, 60, has been charged with three counts of possession of stolen property and one count of trafficking stolen property.
Jelali was arrested on June 24 and released from custody pending his next court appearance. Jelali's release conditions prohibit him from visiting the Downtown Eastside.
Police say there could be more arrests as their investigation into stolen property being sold in the Downtown Eastside is ongoing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.