7 people arrested in what police call 'huge blow' to Lower Mainland crime group
Vancouver Police (VPD) have dealt what they describe as a “huge blow” to a Lower Mainland crime group.
On Thursday the VPD announced the seizure of four guns, the arrest of seven individuals, and the recommendation of 20 criminal charges as part of Project Temper – a combined effort with the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) – to tackle an increase in targeted violence in the Lower Mainland.
“Project Temper, a gang violence suppression operation, has resulted in the dismantling of the Gill Group,” said VPD Supt. Mike Porteous. “This violent crime group was comprised of several individuals including its leader, Taqdir Gill.”
Some of the weaponry that was seized. (VPD)
In total, seven arrests have been made, and the following charges have been approved by Crown Counsel:
- Taqdir Gill, 21, has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit arson, conspiracy to discharge a firearm, possession of a loaded restricted firearm, occupying a vehicle knowing a firearm is present, and extortion
- Hitkaran Johal, 19, has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to commit arson.
- Simrat Lally, 20, has been charged with conspiracy to discharge a firearm, conspiracy to commit arson, occupy a vehicle knowing a firearm is present, and two counts of possessing a firearm without a license/registration.
- Walta Abay, 23, has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, possession of a loaded restricted firearm, and occupying a vehicle knowing a firearm is present.
- Pawandeep Chopra, 20, has been charged with possession of a loaded restricted firearm.
- A youth, 17-years-old at the time of offence, has been charged with conspiracy to discharge a firearm, possess a firearm without a license/registration, and occupying a vehicle knowing a firearm is present.
“We are committed to aggressively targeting people who pose the most risk to our communities, and we will continue to work relentlessly with other partner agencies, like CFSEU-BC,” said Porteous
“The coordinated and strategic engagement, disruption, and enforcement efforts that we have collectively undertaken since the start of this joint operation will continue as part of our long-term regional strategy,” said CFSEU-BC’s Kevin Hackett.
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