Alleged Chilliwack drug traffickers facing 50 more charges

One of two alleged drug traffickers sought by police for his purportedconnection to a drug trafficking ring has turned himself in.

Police say Dana Schaper-Kotter is now in custody, but they'restill looking forLucas Thiessen, another of theseven suspectsaccused of operatingadrug trafficking ring based in Chilliwack, B.C.

Police also revealed, the Crown has nowapprovedmore than 50criminal chargesagainst the seven suspects, asa result of along investigation and two raids carried out on properties in the Fraser Valley city in November2014 and February2015.

Police say the gang did supply drugs in Chilliwack, butoperated mostly in cities and towns in central and northern B.C. from Williams Lake to Fort St. John.

"These latest arrests show that organized criminal groups don't just operate in the Lower Mainland their influence spans British Columbia," said ChiefSupt. KevinHackettwith theCombined Special Forces Enforcement Unit.

"We remain steadfast and committed to relentlessly pursuing those who wish to bring harm to our communities regardless of where they are."

More than $5 million in drugs were seizedin the two raids, including cocaine, crystal meth, crystal MDMA, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, fentanyl in pill and powder form, and phenacetin and MSM, used as cocaine buffing agents.

The police raids also netted weapons, including three semi-automatic rifles, two sub-machine guns equipped with sound suppressors and a number of handguns and ammunition.

Police appealing for tips

In total seven people all fromChilliwackhave now been charged as a resultof the investigation. Threepeople were charged in Dec. 2015:

• Clayton Archie Eheler, 33, charged with one count of unlawfully possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. Out on bail. Next court appearance Feb. 23 for arraignment.

• Raymond Morrissey,59, charged with one count of unlawfully possessing a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. Released under certain conditions.Next court appearance Feb. 23 for arraignment.

• Lucas BenjaminThiessen, 22, initiallycharged with one countof possession for thepurpose of trafficking. Now additionally charged with three more counts of the same.Whereabouts unknown.

Another four people were named on Thursday:

• Jordan Anthony Ramos,26,charged with four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. In custody inGrand Prairie, Alta. on unrelated charges.

• Dana Mikael Hendrick Schaper-Kotter, 25, charged with four counts ofpossession for the purpose of trafficking and 12 counts of possession of a prohibited device. Handed himself in on Thursday.

• Darcy Horvath, 23, charged with nine counts of possession for the purposeof trafficking and 12 counts of possession of a prohibited device. In custody, will appear in court on Feb. 19 for bail hearing.

• Kyle Harrower, 25,charged with five counts of possession for the purpose oftrafficking. Out on bail, will appear in courtApril 12.

An arrest warranthas been issued for Thiessen, but hiswhereabouts is unknown.

Anyone with any relevant information is asked to contact local police or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppersby phoneat 1-800-222-8477 or online atsolvecrime.ca.