A man wanted in connection with an alleged drug-trafficking conspiracy was arrested Dec. 13 at Vancouver International Airport.
Roman Tassone is among a group of individuals — including at least one alleged B.C. Hells Angel — who are facing multiple drug trafficking and conspiracy allegations for offences said to have taken place in Vancouver, Maple Ridge and Vernon between September 2020 and July 2021.
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. (CFSEU-BC) said Roman Tassone was arrested upon returning to Canada from Europe and released awaiting the court process.
Tassone, 28, is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking while Lukas Tassone, 34, faces one count of the same charge. The latter remains wanted on a warrant.
CFSEU-BC said Dec. 7 that 12 search warrants were executed at locations throughout Metro Vancouver and the Okanagan.
Police seized about $650,000 in Canadian currency and approximately two kilograms of cocaine, one kilogram of MDMA, one kilogram of fentanyl, 200 grams of ketamine, 10 kilograms marijuana and 16 kilograms of drug-cutting agent.
Also seized: three rifles, a shotgun, three prohibited magazines, ammunition, body armour, two vehicles and a cocaine press. Inside one residence, police seized a Hells Angels motorcycle club vest and various items of Hells Angels support clothing.
Jonathan Lugar, 39, of Vancouver is charged with directing a criminal organization, trafficking a controlled substance for a criminal organization, conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking in a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance.
Courtney Lafreniere, 41, of Maple Ridge is charged with trafficking a controlled substance for a criminal organization, conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance.
Oakley Charest, 34, of Vernon is charged with trafficking a controlled substance for a criminal organization, conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance, trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a prohibited weapon, two counts of possessing a restricted firearm with ammunition and possession of a firearm while prohibited.
Matthew Shaw, 31, of Tsawwassen is charged with trafficking a controlled substance for a criminal organization, conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance, trafficking a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Allan Arcangel, 51, of Vancouver is charged with trafficking a controlled substance for a criminal organization, conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance.
