Mounties have announced a new batch of charges in their ongoing efforts to crack down on gun violence in Surrey.
The RCMP said six people, including one young offender who can’t be named, were arrested over the weekend for allegedly planning to open fire at two homes in the city. Charges have since been approved against five of them.
Asst. Commissioner Bill Fordy said the accused are believed to be part of the violent conflict that’s plagued the streets of Surrey for months, which he stressed involves only “low-level” drug traffickers and not major gangs or criminal organizations such as the United Nations or Hells Angels.
“I wouldn’t characterize this as a gang war,” Fordy told a press conference Monday. “These are people at the low end.”
Charged with counts of conspiracy to commit the indictable offence of reckless discharge of a firearm are 18-year-old Baltej Singh Gill, 18-year-old Himmat Singh Virk, 18-year-old Randeep Singh Johal of Surrey and 24-year-old Delta resident Manpreet Michael Johal.
The young offender, who was also charged, is a 16-year-old who was previously arrested on four firearms-related charges, according to police. Charges are still pending against the sixth suspect, whose name hasn’t been released.
Since March, Mounties have made 30 arrests in connection with the criminal conflict in Surrey and seized 15 guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Fordy thanked the community for its help in the RCMP’s ongoing investigations, particularly family members who have come forward through the force’s dedicated hotline for parents concerned their children could be involved in the violence.
“We’ve had 36 families reach out to us to seek support, so I see that as a positive development,” he said.
Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner applauded Mounties for their progress and thanked the public for its patience as authorities work to get violent criminals behind bars. She also said she believes the courts should be doling out more severe punishments.
“My frustration is I believe anytime you fire a gun in an urban setting and you mean to harm others, that the severity of the punishment should be significant,” Hepner said. “I don’t see that happening.”
Asked what could constitute a fair sentence, Hepner only said she would like to see the accused do jail time if convicted.
Mounties asked anyone who has information on crime in Surrey to contact the local detachment at 604-599-0502, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Parents worried their children could be getting involved with crime can contact the family hotline at 604-599-7800.
With a report from CTV Vancouver’s Michele Brunoro
