Surrey RCMP have made six more arrests related to the recent shootings and ongoing drug turf war in the city.
Manpreet Michael Johal, 24, Himmat Singh Virk, 18, Baltej Singh Gill, 18 and Randeep Singh Johal, 18, have been charged with conspiracy to commit the indictable offence of reckless discharge of a firearm, with Manpreet Johal and Randeep Johal facing two of the same charges.
A young offender has also been arrested but cannot be named due to his age, and a sixth man has been arrested but also cannot be identified as he has yet to be charged.
All were taken into custody on Friday, Aug. 5.
Baltej Gill and the young offender have both been previously arrested for four firearms-related offences.
On Monday at a press conference at the main Surrey RCMP detachment, Asst. Comm. Bill Fordy said through strategic targeting and information obtained by the Combined Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC) and the Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team (ERT), the Surrey RCMP was able to determine the six men had plans to commit an act of violence using a firearm.
“I believe that the arrests of these individuals has prevented further violence from occurring in our city,” said Fordy, who is the Lower Mainland District Commander and Acting Officer in Charge of the Surrey RCMP.
Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner, said the arrests represent progress in combating the ongoing violence on the streets of Surrey, but that the courts need to impose appropriate sentences in order to deter future violence.
“What is happening now on our streets is so unacceptable,” Hepner said. “When these folks get before the courts, I hope the courts recognize the severity of a crime utilizing a gun on the city streets and come down with some very significant acknowledgment in the punishment phase.”
Since March, police said more than 30 arrests have been made in connection to the city’s wave of violence, with some offenders being as young as their mid-teens.
In addition, 15 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition and body armour has been seized.
To date in Surrey this year, there have 51 shootings,
RCMP is appealing to the public for further information on any criminal activities of those who have been recently arrested.
Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or Crime Stoppers, if they wish to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-TIPS or www.solvecrime.ca.