Police investigation into multi-generational drug trafficking operation in Coquitlam nets 58 charges

A 17-month investigation into an alleged drug trafficking operation in Coquitlam has resulted in 58 charges against 11 people.

The arrests are a result of an investigation that came to be known as ‘ENightlife’, which started when Coquitlam RCMP’s Drugs and Organized Crime unit targeted an alleged criminal organization that was trafficking in legal and illegal drugs including fentanyl, Alprazolam (Xanax), cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and MDMA (ecstasy).

The investigation also resulted in the seizure of guns, drugs, luxury cars, and cash.

Police said it caused the “disruption” of a Coquitlam-based criminal organization that specialized in trafficking fentanyl and “relied heavily” on family ties.

The 11 people accused range in age from 19 to 69 and include four individuals who represent three generations of one Coquitlam family, as well as a father and son from Langley.

The alleged leader of the group, 34-year-old Coquitlam resident Andrew Leach, is facing 20 charges including directing a criminal organization, conspiracy to commit drug trafficking, and 14 firearms offences.

Charges against the others accused include membership in a criminal organization, trafficking in a controlled substance, and 25 firearms offences.

“These charges and seizures are a major milestone for everyone who has worked on ENightlife and great example of how integrated policing is supposed to work,” said Coquitlam RCMP Inspector Bryon Massie. “This is excellent news for every community that’s been impacted by these individuals and their activities.”

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit assisted the investigation by way of the Provincial Tactical Enforcement Priority; a predictive targeting process that integrates municipal, provincial, and federal intelligence.