After initially saying Ranjeev "Raj" Sangha, 41, had no gang links, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) said Sangha had associations with the drug trade. Sangha was shot down on Southview Drive near 146th Street in the Panorama Ridge neighbourhood around 11:45 a.m. PT on Monday, Nov. 26.

SURREY –The well known Bangra promoter who was shot and killed at his Surrey home last week was indeed involved in the drug trade police say.

After initially saying Ranjeev "Raj" Sangha, 41, had no gang links, the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) said Sangha had associations with the drug trade.

Sangha was shot down on Southview Drive near 146th Street in the Panorama Ridge neighbourhood around 11:45 a.m. PT on Monday, Nov. 26.

Sangha was well-known in the city for promoting Bhangra, a popular, traditional Punjabi dance.

Homicide investigative agency IHIT's Frank Jang said last Friday that new information from police partners outside of B.C. indicated Sangha was associated with drug activity, reported CBC News.

"Although the exact motive for his murder has not yet been confirmed, we believe that his connections to the drug trade played a role in his death," Jang said.

"We realize that for some in the community this news may come as a surprise and for some it may not … We need people to step forward."

Tips sought the recent revelations about Sangha do not influence IHIT's commitment to solving his death.

The shooter is believed to have left the area in a black four-door sedan that was later found burning on Cambie Road near No. 5 Road, about 100 metres from a pedestrian path.

Police are asking people who may have seen the car to come forward. They are also seeking dashcam video from drivers who were travelling between Surrey and Richmond along Highway 99 or 91 between 11:46 a.m. and 12:49 p.m.

About an hour after shots were fired, investigators say Mounties received reports of a burning black sedan on Cambie near No. 5 roads in Richmond.

“It was found approximately 100 meters off of Cambie Road on a pedestrian path,” a release reads.

Sangha’s death is believed to be targeted, and investigators are hoping to speak with anyone who may have information about this situation.

 “Retracing Ranjeev Sangha’s movements prior to his death will be one of the priorities for our detectives and we urge anyone who can help us achieve this end to contact us immediately,” IHIT’s Corporal Frank Jang says.

There’s still no word on a possible motive.

Anyone with information is asked to call the IHIT information line at 1-877-551- IHIT (4448), or by email at ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. You can also get in touch with Crime Stoppers at 1.800.222.TIPS (8477) to remain anonymous.