Man with ties to organized crime facing possession of stolen property charges

A man has been arrested, and is facing property-related criminal charges after an incident that began with a barking dog complaint.

On May 14, 2021, officers attended an address in the 5700 blk of Telegraph Trail after neighbours reported sounds of what seemed to be dogs in distress. 

The officers determined that the animals were safe and sound, but were unable to locate any residents at the time. 

While on scene, they discovered a stolen vehicle on the property, related to a break and enter in Winnipeg.

Later that evening investigators executed a search warrant at the home where further evidence related to the stolen vehicle was located.

A 31-year-old West Vancouver man, who is known to police, was later arrested at the home and is facing a charge of possession of stolen property over $5000.

Investigators from the WVPD Major Investigations Team determined that the man was also wanted in Manitoba for firearms trafficking and drug-related offences. After consultation between BC and Manitoba Prosecution Service, due to the seriousness of the criminal allegations in Manitoba, the arrest warrant was extended to British Columbia. 

“This investigation involved coordination between local and provincial agencies,” says Cst. Kevin Goodmurphy. “In the end, a potentially dangerous man has been removed from our community and stolen property has been returned to its rightful owner. A job well done.”

The man was later escorted back to Winnipeg by members of the Manitoba Organized Crime Unit.