Vernon man pleads guilty in drug trafficking investigation

A man from Vernon is among four suspects who have plead guilty to charges related to a drug trafficking ring.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC) launched an investigation in early 2020 into an alleged, large-scale, inter-provincial drug trafficking operation on behalf of a criminal enterprize.

In December of 2022, the investigation led to seven men being identified as involved in the operation, five of whom, including Oakley Charest of Vernon, were arrested. During the investigation police also seized firearms, vehicles and several kilograms of various illegal drugs.

The CFSEU-BC said, on May 31, 2023, Charest plead guilty to drug trafficking, possession of a firearm, and possession of prohibited/restricted firearm.

Vernon Matters has reached out to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada to find out when Charest will be sentenced.

The CFSEU-BC only released details of the guilty plea on Thursday, Sept. 28, as three other guilty pleas have since been entered.

Matthew Shaw of Tsawassen has plead guilty to possession for the purpose of trafficking; Jonathan Lutar of Vancouver has entered a guilty plea for drug trafficking; and Courteney Lafreniere, a full patch Hells Angel member, has plead guilty to proceeds of crime.

Roman Tassone of Vancouver, who was not arrested during the initial bust but was later apprehended at Vancouver international Airport in mid-December, is awaiting the judicial process and is scheduled to appear in court in October.

Lukas Tassone, the final suspect in this case, remains at large.

Lukas Tassone, a suspect in an inter-provincial drug trafficking ring, remains at large (photo courtesy of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C.)

“This was a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation affecting several communities,” Sergeant Brenda Winpenny, the CFSEU-BC spokesperson, said.

“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.”

The arrests were made through a multi-jurisdiction investigation that involved various police and RCMP departments including the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.