Man wanted Canada-wide almost immediately after release from prison, VPD says
Update: Vancouver police say Samra was re-arrested Aug. 16 and held in custody awaiting his next court appearance. The original story follows.
Vancouver police are asking the public to call 911 if they encounter a man who failed to report to his halfway house after being released from prison Thursday.
Harjot Singh Samra is wanted Canada-wide, the Vancouver Police Department said in a news release Friday.
The 27-year-old was spotted driving a vehicle near Cambie Street and Marine Drive around 6 p.m. Thursday, police said, adding that officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the wanted man "drove away at a high rate of speed."
Police described Samra as "a federal offender charged for numerous drug and weapons offences." The VPD said it is also now recommending several new dangerous driving charges against him.
Past statements from police regarding gang-related drug busts have included the name Harjot Singh Samra. In 2017, a 21-year-old by that name was charged with offences related to firearms and weapons trafficking as part of a VPD-led gang investigation dubbed "Project Tariff."
Project Tariff was, itself, part of a larger multi-jurisdictional anti-gang investigation known as Task Force Tourniquet. That effort had resulted in 27 convictions and the seizure of more than 170 firearms, more than 50 kilograms of drugs and more than $2 million worth of cash, jewelry and high-end vehicles as of August 2021, according to police.
Samra stands 5'9” and weighs 252 pounds, according to the VPD, who said he has a "heavy build," "brown/black hair with a balding hairline" and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweater and black shorts with white detailing, and he was carrying a black duffle bag, police said.
"Anyone who sees Harjot Samra, or has information on his whereabouts, is asked to call 911 immediately," the VPD said in its statement.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
2 died in plane crash near Squamish, B.C., police confirm
Two people died after a plane went down in a remote area near Squamish, B.C. on Friday, authorities have confirmed.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
At least 15 dead after severe weather carves path of ruin across multiple U.S. states in the South
Powerful storms killed at least 15 people and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
North Korea informs Japan of a plan to launch military spy satellite
North Korea has told Japan it plans to launch a satellite by early next week, an apparent effort to put its second military spy satellite into orbit.