A three-year-long Vancouver Police investigation has led to arrests and charges of six people in connection with a sophisticated organized crime group.
Omid Mashinchi, 41, Victor Chow, 31, Omid Pakniyat, 24, Josef Tolja,, 30, Amir Navarchi, 39, and Jemina Ortega, 28, have been arrested.
Project Torque began in November 2021, focusing on a kilogram level drug-trafficking operation based in Vancouver, operating both domestically and internationally.
In December 2022, VPD announced that the first phase of this investigation led to the seizure of three firearms and 88 kilograms of illicit drugs. Of the drugs seized, 72 kilograms were fentanyl laced pills disguised as generic Percocet.
During phase two in May 2023, investigators from VPD’s Organized Crime Section executed three search warrants at various locations in downtown Vancouver, seizing 14 kilograms of fentanyl, 12 kilograms of cocaine, 17 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 73 kilograms of MDMA. Investigators also seized four firearms and more than $190,000 in cash.
In total, since the project began, investigators have seized over 200 kilograms of hard drugs worth an estimated 16 million dollars, seven firearms, and $500,000 in cash and jewelry.
Mashinchi is charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a restricted firearm
Chow was charged with Possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of a loaded restricted firearm.
Pakniya is charged with conspiracy to commit indictable offence, and possession for the purpose of trafficking
Tolja is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of a prohibited firearm.
Navarchi was charged with conspiracy to commit indictable offence
Ortega is charged with conspiracy to commit indictable offence
