Two Abbotsford brothers have been sentenced on drug charges allegedly related to a gang that broke away from the Duhre Group in 2010.
Matthew Somerville, 26, previously pleaded guilty to one count of trafficking in cocaine. His 25-year-old brother, Aaron, pleaded guilty to one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
On Tuesday in Abbotsford provincial court, each received an 18-month conditional sentence (house arrest) and a 10-year firearms ban.
Several other drugs charges against the pair were stayed.
The pair were arrested in December 2010 following a police investigation into the activities of a group alleged to have broken away from the Duhre Group. Abbotsford Police have said the Duhre Group is the prominent gang operating in the city.
Sandip Duhre – one of three brothers associated with the gang – was shot and killed in a targeted hit on Jan. 17 at a Vancouver restaurant.
The splinter group had been operating for about eight weeks at the time of the Somervilles' arrests, according to police.
Two other alleged members of the splinter group were arrested and charged around the same time, and are still before the courts in relation to a home invasion in Abbotsford on Nov. 5, 2010.
Michael Lopeke, 23, and Jared Klade, 24, were each charged with two counts of robbery with a firearm, break and enter, unlawful confinement, assault with a weapon and assault causing bodily harm.
Lopeke is also before the courts for breaching his bail conditions, driving while prohibited and theft under $5,000.
Klade also faces a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking.