What started as a small investigation focused on fuel purchase fraud, quickly grew into a long-term project that has resulted in five individuals facing 47 charges including controlled drugs and substances, firearms, and a civil forfeiture process.
In February 2023, the Delta Police Department’s (DPD) Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) learned of a fuel fraud scheme involving fraudulent cardlock cards being produced and used. Dozens of fraudulent transactions had been conducted with a value of greater than $25,000. The investigation identified an organized group was involved in the fraud.
In April 2023, the CRU executed a search warrant related to the fuel fraud investigation at a property in the 6100 block of 104th Street, Delta. As a result of the search warrant, a number of criminal offences were identified including: oaded restricted and prohibited guns; a fully operational drug lab; and an illegal marijuana grow operation.
As a result, $1,000,000 street value drugs were seized along with vehicles associated to organized crime. At the time of warrant execution, one man was arrested on an outstanding Canada-wide warrant. Two vehicles have since been subject to civil forfeiture proceedings, while other civil forfeiture processes are still in progress.
On April 22nd, 2024, the Public Prosecution Service Canada (PPSC) approved charges against 5 individuals Robert Johan Simonsen of Surrey, Richard Stephen Voszler of Delta, Robert Joseph Stephen Lavalee of Surrey, Robert Sean Rylands of Abbotsford, and Norman Sterner of Delta.
Two of the five individuals charged have been arrested in relation to this investigation, while the remaining three accused are currently wanted on unendorsed warrants. We ask that the named individuals turn themselves in to the DPD for processing of their warrants.
“When we commence an investigation, we follow the evidence, and we don’t necessarily know where a specific file is going to go. Our CRU showed commitment and follow-through on a complex investigation, with a complex disclosure package. I am very proud of the work of our CRU members. I would also like to acknowledge our Federal Crown partners who approved the charges in a complex and difficult file,” stated Chief Neil Dubord, when asked about this investigation.
