A taxi driver has had his permit appeal denied by city council, after it emerged he’s facing serious charges of drug trafficking.
Mohammad Mohsin was originally refused the renewal of his taxi driver’s chauffeur’s permit in February, due to the discovery of the charges, before he decided to appeal the decision.
But, at a special city council meeting on Monday afternoon, the full extent of the case against Mohsin became apparent, including allegations of helping to sell fentanyl-laced heroin and crack cocaine. However, none of this has been proven in court.
While addressing council, Richmond RCMP’s Sgt. Rob Quilley told how, after carrying out background checks during Mohsin’s application process, a file came up with regard to the “illegal trafficking of illegal narcotics.”
“Reading through the file, it involved a business in Vancouver that appeared to be a front for selling illegal narcotics,” said Quilley.
“A search warrant was executed and (Mohsin) was working there and was (allegedly) actively involved in the sale of the narcotics.”
According to the City of Richmond’s chauffeur permit criteria, anyone charged with a serious, violent criminal offence or drug trafficking cannot be given such a licence.
According to the report before city council, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) file states that in August of 2016, a series of search warrants were executed, including one at the business where Mohsin was employed.
“(He) was present in the store when the warrant was executed. He was arrested at the time. During the search of the business, large amounts of packaged (for sale) heroin (laced with fentanyl) rock cocaine and powdered cocaine were recovered,” the report stated.
“A number of weapons, large amounts of cash and other documents and paraphernalia associated to drug trafficking were recovered…it is also noted that (Mohsin) was actively involved in the sale of narcotics from this business.”
Mohsin, according to the report, has been charged with drug trafficking offences and is awaiting trial.
Appealing to city council personally on Monday, Mohsin said he needed to work to support his family.
“My wife doesn’t work due to medical reasons,” he said.
While acknowledging the “predicament” Mohsin now finds himself in, Coun. Harold Steves said his duty, first and foremost, is to the safety of the general public.
“We have a position of public responsibility; do you not see yourself as a potential target (if) you’re involved in the drug trade?” asked Steves.
“We’ve seen numerous people murdered in the drug trade around here.”
Coun. Derek Dang questioned whether the local taxi firms willing to hire Mohsin are aware of the charges hanging over his head.
“As long as I have the chauffeur’s permit, they don’t care,” Mohsin responded.
Mohsin’s appeal was unanimously denied by council.
