Shooting in Surrey hours after Mounties declare ‘turf war’

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Just hours after police in Surrey and Delta publicly named the suspects in a series of shootings over the past six weeks, there has been even more gunplay.  Mounties say people in two cars opened fire at each other along 66th Avenue and 128th Street early this morning.

Both police forces say the shootings are linked to low-level drug trade and are calling this a ‘turf war.’

Mounties haven’t had much luck with the people involved because they’re not cooperating with investigators, instead they’ve released their photos with the hope others will come forward with information.

SFU Criminologist Rob Gordon says it can be a useful technique. “Usually when they release the photographs, it’s a shaming exercise which may or may not work. It depends very much on how connected the individual is to their community.”

“Police efforts are generally assisted when a community within a municipality like Surrey is aware of who’s involved in the illegal drug trade and related activities.”

He adds when people are aware of those involved in the drug trade or any illegal activities, they are more likely to give police tips when necessary.

Gordon says whenever there is an unusual level of gunfire, the public should be concerned, but should also go to police if they have information.

Nearly half the last 20 shootings in Surrey and Delta are linked to the low-level drug trade. No one has died in the attacks.
Surrey RCMP Chief Superintendent Bill Fordy says the rivalry is between two groups of South Asian and Somalian descent.