Maple Ridge member of Haney Hells Angels gets three years in jail
Courtney Lafreniere pled guilty to possession of proceeds of crime
Colleen Flanagan Maple Ridge News ( British Columbia, Canada) March 2, 2024
https://www.mapleridgenews.com/news/maple-ridge-member-of-haney-hells-angels-gets-three-years-in-jail-7324799
A member of the Haney chapter of the Hells Angels will be behind bars for the next three years for the possession of the proceeds of crime..
Courtney Lafreniere, a 42-year-old from Maple Ridge, and a full-patch member of the criminal organization, was remanded in custody on Thursday, Feb. 29, after receiving a sentence for possessing proceeds of crime exceeding five thousand dollars, and knowing the proceeds were obtained by commission of an offence in Canada.
“CFSEU-BC, (Combined forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC), works collaboratively with our policing partners to target the illegal activity of organized crime groups like the Hell’s Angels, taking deadly drugs and firearms off our streets and holding those accountable that are preying on our most vulnerable,” said Sgt. Brenda Winpenny with CFSEU-BC.
The investigation into Lafreniere began as a drug investigation in early 2020, which led to seven men being charged by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) on Dec. 6, 2022, with several drug-related offences.
They were suspected of running an alleged large-scale, drug trafficking operation spanning the Lower Mainland and Okanagan.
The investigation by the special enforcement unit resulted in the seizure of firearms, various illegal drugs, and 25 criminal charges against individuals – including a full-patch member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club’s Haney Chapter.
Lafreniere was charged with: trafficking a controlled substance for a criminal organization, conspiracy to traffic a controlled substance, and trafficking a controlled substance.
“This investigation resulted in the seizure of potentially deadly drugs, firearms, and disruption of a sophisticated drug trafficking operation securing a number of significant criminal charges,” said assistant commissioner Manny Mann, Chief Officer for CFSEU-BC, at the time. “CFSEU-BC is committed to continuing our relentless pursuit of those who pose the greatest risk to public safety in our communities as we investigate some of the most complex and resource intensive offences in the province.”
On Sept. 27, 2023, Lafreniere was one of four guilty pleas from the investigation, pleading guilty to being in possession of proceeds of crime.
“This was a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation affecting several communities,” Sgt. Brenda Winpenny, a CFSEU-BC spokesperson said following the guilty pleas.
“Illegal drugs, including Fentanyl, is an extremely dangerous drug that is proving to have widespread consequences in our province. This investigation is a testament to the dedication and tenacity of our investigators to hold those, who deal in drugs and are involved in criminal activity, to account and brought to justice.”
CFSEU-BC worked closely with several investigative bodies including: Vancouver Police Department, various RCMP support units, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and the Lower Mainland District Emergency Response Team.
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