Photo: RCMP

A 40-year-old man has been arrested for uttering threats and break and enter in connection to an investigation into illegal after-hours clubs operating in Surrey.

Surrey RCMP Frontline officers and the COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team began investigating earlier this month after receiving information about a number of after-hours clubs and parties springing up at commercial properties in Whalley.

During the investigation, police were able to identify an individual who was allegedly using a leased commercial space to host unlicensed events. Investigators also believe the man may have hosted gatherings in commercial properties that he accessed by breaking and entering. On Aug. 5, Fraser Health announced a possible COVID-19 exposure at a hookah lounge which investigators believe was being operated by the same individual. 

A report to the BC Prosecution Service has not yet been forwarded as the investigation is on-going. The man was released from police custody with a number of conditions.

“We want to strongly caution the public, particularly young people, to avoid these types of illegal parties, especially during a pandemic,” says Cpl. Bob Keay, of the COVID-19 Compliance and Enforcement Team. “These types of events are often not compliant with local bylaws, fire codes, and public health orders that have been put in place for your safety. In this investigation we have already had a link to possible exposures to COVID-19.”