Five men charged after Metro Vancouver firearms-trafficking investigation

Five Metro Vancouver men are facing a number of charges alleging they trafficked at firearms in the region on several occasions this year.

The accused, Brandon Vuong Nguyen, Arman Giordano, Derek Johnston, Jerry Lino and Ali Taghan, were all arrested this week by officers with the anti-gang Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.

CFSEU worked with the New Westminster Police on the investigation, which began last fall and led officers to others involved in the sale of illegal firearms, Insp. Joel Hussey said Wednesday.

Earlier this year, investigators seized several firearms, including two Kodiak Defence rifles, a Polymer 80 handgun with suppressor, a 1911-style .45-calibre privately made handgun with suppressor, a .50-calibre rifle, three Glocks, a Ruger handgun and a Beretta handgun. Ammunition, prohibited magazines and other banned firearms-related devices were also seized.