Surrey shootings linked to drug activity, RCMP say

The recent burst of gun violence in Surrey has left residents on edge and three men injured, but RCMP say none of the shootings were random attacks.

Police believe all six shootings were targeted, and that four of them are connected and involve people tied up in "low-level drug crime."

They can't say at this point whether it's a drug turf war but RCMP investigators want to know more about the activities of five men who they believe were involved in the four connected shootings. All are known to police.

• PardipBrar, of Delta, aged 20
• Indervir Johal, of Surrey, aged 21
• Amrit Kular, of Surrey, aged 20
• Pardeep Singh, of Surrey, aged 20
• Sameh Mohammed, of Surrey, aged 20

"From the intelligence that has gathered so far, there is nothing to indicate that these incidents are tied to organized gangs," said Sgt. Dale Carr in a press release.

However, these people are clearly violent and have shown a complete disregard for public safety."

Police are also looking for three vehicles that are associated with the five men and shootings a grey Volkswagen Passat or Jetta, a black Acura TL, and a white sports utility vehicle.

Meanwhile, "the victims have been primarily uncooperative with the police," Carr said.

The shootings

Police heard about the first shootingearly Tuesday morning when a 20-year-old man was dropped off at a Surrey hospital suffering from gunshot wounds. He was treated and released, but police were unable to ascertain where he got shot.

Later that day, police found a car around 5:50 p.m. PTthat the RCMP said "bore the evidence of being involved in ashooting."

Then an hour later, Surrey RCMP were called to a shooting where another 20-year-old was injured near127thStreet and 78 Avenue.

Police were also called around 11 p.m.to128thStreet and76thAvenue after witnesses reportedgunshots had been fired.

When police arrived on the scene, "it was apparent that all partieshad departed," but they were"told by witnesses that four darkcolouredvehicles were seen departing the area at a high rate of speedimmediately after the sounds of gunshots."

The fourthshooting happened Wednesday afternoonaround 1:30 p.m.Witnesses saw a white SUV type vehicle chasing a Black Acura at a high speed in the area of132ndStreet and80thAvenue, and then shooting at the occupants of the black car. No victim has been located yet, but police recovered shell casing from the scene.

Police say there have been two more shootings, but those were not related.

On Wednesday around 11:40 p.m., a 28-year-old Langley man with gunshot injuries was found near 193 Street and 80th Avenue. Police haven't determined where he was shot, but say the shooting appears to be related to drugs.Then on March 12 at 3:30 a.m., police were called to aresidence in the area of 94 Avenue and 126 Street, but they did not find a victim.

Community worried

Surrey city councillor BruceHaynesaid the community is concerned by the string of shootings.

"The public can take some consolation in the fact that these are not random attacks of violence out there... but whenever there is gun play on our streets there is tremendous concern," he said.

Surrey RCMP Chief Superintendent BillFordywarned those associated with the men to keep their distance.

"For those involved in these shootings or people who know them, I ask to think about the safety of your family, the safety of your friends and of the general public."