A Surrey Provincial Court judge has sentenced a Chilliwack trafficker to four years in prison for his role in a drug ring that moved millions of dollars worth of cocaine and fentanyl into northern B.C.
Judge Deanne Gaffar also sentenced Darcy Horvath, 28, to 21/2 years for firearm offences dating back to early 2015 when he was arrested following an investigation by B.C.'s anti-gang agency. The sentences, handed down Feb. 26, will be served concurrently.
Horvath's sentencing had been delayed several times due to the COVID pandemic, after he pleaded guilty in November 2019.
Horvath is the last of several defendants charged and convicted in a Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit probe that resulted in the arrests of several people and the seizure of millions of dollars worth of drugs.
“This was a complex, multi-jurisdictional investigation affecting several areas throughout the province,” CFSEU media officer Sgt. Brenda Winpenny said. “Fentanyl is an extremely dangerous drug that is proving to have widespread consequences in our province.”
In November 2014, CFSEU officers executed a search warrant on an apartment building in Chilliwack in connection with the probe.
At the time, the suite was occupied by Clayton Eheler, the drug ring leader, and his associate Matthew Thiessen. Both men were later convicted and sentenced. Eheler is appealing his conviction and was released on bail last October.
Police seized eight kilograms of powder cocaine and a kilogram of crack, along with a large cocaine press, cutting agent and packaging materials.
Horvath was arrested with four others in February 2015, after the CFSEU executed more search warrants on properties in Chilliwack.
The search of two residences and three storage lockers resulted in the seizure of eight firearms, prohibited magazines, suppressors, and more than $200,000 in cash.
Fentanyl and other drugs estimated to be worth over $2 million were also seized.
In May 2015, CFSEU investigators watched as drug gang members met in an isolated area outside of Fort St John. Afterward, police searched a vehicle connected to the meeting and seized about 1.8 kg of powdered cocaine, 1.6 kg of crack, and another $138,000 cash.
Federal prosecutors approved the first round of charges in December 2015. Another 50 charges were approved against Horvath and four others in February 2016.
