Three South Asians are among six people arrested and charged related to drug trafficking. Thirty-six charges have been approved against six individuals, including Ryan Naidu, 27 years old, Preshika Chand, 27 years old, and Austin Reddy (27 years old, in relation to a Burnaby RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Section (DOCS) investigation from 2022. The investigation was extremely complex with numerous judicial authorizations and a wide variety of police investigative techniques. Notably, one of the accused is also charged with assaulting a police officer during the course of his/her duties during the investigation.

By PD Raj – Senior Reporter DESIBUZZCanada

BURNABY –Three South Asians are among six people arrested and charged related to drug trafficking.

Thirty-six charges have been approved against six individuals, including Ryan Naidu, 27 years old, Preshika Chand, 27 years old, and Austin Reddy (27 years old, in relation to a Burnaby RCMP Drugs and Organized Crime Section (DOCS) investigation from 2022.

The investigation was extremely complex with numerous judicial authorizations and a wide variety of police investigative techniques. Notably, one of the accused is also charged with assaulting a police officer during the course of his/her duties during the investigation.

Burnaby RCMP’s DOCS completed the 8-month project in 2022. In December 2024, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada approved the following charges:

Ryan Naidu (27 years old):

1 count of assault peace officer

1 count of Trafficking

14 counts of possession for the purpose of Trafficking (PPT)

Preshika Chand (27 years old):

11 counts of PPT

Austin Reddy (27 years old):

3 counts of Trafficking in controlled substances

Young Person:

1 count of Trafficking in controlled substances

Douglas Atkins (62 years old):

4 counts of Trafficking in controlled substances

Nabil Dean (26 years old):

1 count of Trafficking in controlled substances

The project, along with efforts by the RCMP’s Burnaby Gang Enforcement Team (BGET) has severely disrupted the group which was a major source of illicit drugs which have been causing numerous and widespread deaths in Burnaby and the surrounding communities. It has also disrupted the perpetration of violence associated with the group towards others involved in the drug trade.

Investigators seized approximately half a kilogram of illicit drugs, including Cocaine, Heroin, Ketamine and Fentanyl. Also seized were nearly 1,700 pills, such as Oxycodone, Benzodiazepine and Hydromorphone, as well as more than $26,000 in cash.

Some of the accused have been arrested and released with conditions. There is currently an outstanding arrest warrant for Douglas Atkins in relation to the 4 counts of Trafficking in controlled substances.

Douglas Atkins is described as:

Caucasian

62 years old

Grey hair

Slim build

“This group was a particularly violent drug trafficking organization run by lower mainland gangs involved in the LMD gang conflict,” said Sgt Randy Mortensen with Burnaby RCMP’s Drug and Organized Crime Section. “The group had been targeted by other rival gangs, leaving some of the original suspects murdered or injured.”

If you have any information about Douglas Atkins’ whereabouts, please contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999 and quote file number 2022-2094. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).