Mounties and spiralized gang unit are warning residents to to stay away from two men and their gang ties over fear of safety concerns.
RCMP say the two individuals Karnvir Garcha, 24, and Harkirat Jhutty, 22 pose an “increased threat to public safety” because of their close ties to gang activity and violence according to Surrey RCMP and the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C., in a released statement on Friday warning the public which included pictures of the two men.
The lives of Garcha, Jhutty, and the individuals they know could be at risk, according to the RCMP.
Although it is unusual legally to disclose the names of people who have not been charged, the RCMP say that the two men are aware of the press release and are at risk. The RCMP stated that they take the matter very seriously and that a very high threshold for safety concerns must be satisfied before releasing the names and images of individuals with gang violence.
“Due to a significant threat to the public posed by these individuals through their connection to criminal activity and high levels of violence, police believe that anyone connected to or in proximity to them may be putting themselves at risk,” said Cpl. Vanessa Munn, a spokesperson for the RCMP.
Police are issuing a public warning and identifying them so that family, friends, associates, and the general public can take precautions to increases their own personal safety.
“Due to their association with gang activity, the drug trade, and violent acts such as shootings, these individuals have put themselves, their families, and the community at risk.”
According to Staff Sgt. Lindsay Houghton of the CFSEU-BC, organized criminals display little regard for public safety despite the danger to their own life.
“We are working closely with all our policing partners, including the Surrey RCMP, through enforcement and suppression efforts to send the clear message that gang-related violence will not be tolerated,” said Houghton.
Police are requesting that anyone with information about recent violent crimes or suspicious activity contact them by dialling 911.
Authorities have not said if there is connection to the shooting that occurred in Tsawwassen on Thursday. A young person from Surrey was detained in that event in what police consider to be a case of “mistaken targets.”
