A three-year-long Vancouver Police investigation has led to arrests and charges of six people in connection with a sophisticated organized crime group, Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said in a press release Friday. Project Torque began in November 2021, focusing on a kilogram level drug-trafficking operation based in Vancouver, operating both domestically and internationally.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

Vancouver – A three-year-long Vancouver Police investigation has led to arrests and charges of six people in connection with a sophisticated organized crime group, Vancouver Police Department (VPD) said in a press release Friday.

Project Torque began in November 2021, focusing on a kilogram level drug-trafficking operation based in Vancouver, operating both domestically and internationally.

In December 2022, the VPD announced that the first phase of this investigation led to the seizure of three firearms and 88 kilograms of illicit drugs. Of the drugs seized, 72 kilograms were fentanyl laced pills disguised as generic Percocet.

During phase two in May 2023, investigators from VPD’s Organized Crime Section executed three search warrants at various locations in downtown Vancouver, seizing 14 kilograms of fentanyl, 12 kilograms of cocaine, 17 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 73 kilograms of MDMA. Investigators also seized four firearms and more than $190,000 in cash.

In total, since the project began, investigators have seized over 200 kilograms of hard drugs worth an estimated 16 million dollars, seven firearms, and $500,000 in cash and jewelry.

The Public Prosecution Service has now approved charges against the following people:

Omid Mashinchi, age 41

Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence

Possession for the purpose of trafficking

Possession of a prohibited firearm

Possession of a restricted firearm

 Victor Chow, age 31

Possession for the purpose of trafficking

Possession of a prohibited firearm

Possession for the purpose of trafficking

Possession of a loaded restricted firearm

 Omid Pakniyat, age 24

Conspiracy to commit indictable offence

Possession for the purpose of trafficking

 Josef Tolja, age 30

Possession for the purpose of trafficking

Possession of a prohibited firearm

Amir Navarchi, age 39

Conspiracy to commit indictable offence

 Jemina Ortega, age 28

Conspiracy to commit indictable offence