New West Police recommend charges against drug dealer in death of 16-year-old girl

After drugs were linked to the death of a teenage girl and the hospitalization of another person in New Westminster this past spring, New Westminster Police (NWPD) announced this week that they have arrested the person believed to be responsible for selling the drugs to both victims.

Now police are recommending charges against the dealer.

In a release, police said those charges include two counts of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, contrary to Section 5 (1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

The overdose death occurred on May 26 and prompted the NWPD to issue an urgent warning that same day about the lethal drug, which at the time was unidentified.

On June 2, 2017 it was determined that the drug that contributed to the death of the teen was MDMA.

See also

• Drug that killed New West teen was MDMA say police

The NWPD Street Crime Unit conducted a lengthy and thorough investigation, which resulted in the arrest of a suspect. The suspect has since been released on an undertaking to appear in court with conditions.

“It is clear to me that the success of this police operation was the result of the methodical and painstaking team effort on the part of all the investigating officers,” said NWPD Staff Sgt. Andrew Perry,

“We will continue to work hard to proactively tackle drug dealing throughout New Westminster and I hope residents can feel reassured that we are taking positive action.”