A Richmond resident, who was arrested for drugs and weapons possession, has been sentenced.

Federal RCMP explained in a news release issued today (December 19) that in July 2019, the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) identified a suspicious importer who was connected to seven CBSA seizures of fentanyl (a total of approximately 3.5 kilograms or 8 pounds) being shipped by international mail and courier.

After the CBSA forwarded the information to police, RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime launched an investigation entitled Project EPhiloxenia.

When RCMP used a search warrant at a residence in Richmond on August 10, 2017, officers arrested Jaroslaw Orzel and seized:

• 9.3 kilograms of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues;
• 7.6 grams of W-18 mixed with caffeine and fentanyl;
• 2.6 grams of carfentanil mixed with fentanyl, heroin and caffeine;
• ketamine, cocaine, MDMA, U-47700, 4-ANPP, alprazolam, and synthetic cannabinoids;
• a Glock 17 handgun with ammunition and an Olympic Arms PCR 99 semi-automatic rifle with ammunition;
•$195,415 in Canadian currency and 2.19 Bitcoins.

A total of 13.7 kilograms (30 pounds) of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues were seized.

Consequently, Orzel was charged with 24 counts:

•  one count of importation of a controlled substance;
• 16 counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking;
• one count of mischief;
• two counts of possession of a restricted firearm with accessible ammunition;
• two counts of possession of a prohibited device;
• two counts of possession of a restricted firearm without permit.

Orzel pleaded guilty on November 25, 2019, to two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking (fentanyl), and one count of possession of a restricted firearm with accessible ammunition.

A stay of proceedings was entered for the additional 21 counts.

On the same day, he was sentenced to 12 years for the drug charges and three years for the weapons charges.

“Just 0.002 of a gram of fentanyl could be fatal and this seizure has potentially prevented an untold number of overdoses,” RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Chief Supt. Keith Finn stated in a news release.