Fentanyl trafficking investigation
Following a two-month-long investigation, three people have been charged in relation to a drug operation.
Utilizing the resources of Calgary Police Service district members from across the Service, the Drug Unit, the Tactical Unit, the K9 Unit, the Gang Enforcement Team, the Gang Suppression Team, and the District 5 Operations Team, a complex investigation took place into a suspected fentanyl trafficking ring.
On Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015, three search warrants were executed on three residences located in the 0-100 block of Templemont Lane N.E., the 0-100 block of Rundlelawn Place N.E., and the 0-100 block of Coral Sands Place N.E. Three other warrants were executed on vehicles related to the investigation. From those warrants, the following items were seized:
- $16,000 cash
- 2.6 kg of marijuana
- 68.5 grams of cannabis resin
- 85.9 grams of methamphetamine
- 61 pills of fentanyl
- 10 pills of OxyContin
- 43 grams of crack cocaine
- 275 grams of powder cocaine
- 9 mm Browning high-powered handgun
- 12 gauge Winchester sawed off shotgun
- Five .22 caliber pen guns
Although only a small quantity of fentanyl was seized, it is believed the people responsible have trafficked in a large amount of it over the past several months. Not only was $68,400 worth of drugs seized, but seven weapons which posed a significant risk to public safety were also seized.
As a result of this operation, three people are facing a total of 48 charges.
Saro PIREH, 19, of Calgary, has been charged with eight counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of possession of the proceeds of crime, six counts of unsafe storage of a firearm, six counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of a firearm obtained by crime. PIREH appeared in court on Monday, Nov. 23, 2015.
A 17-year-old man from Calgary, has been charged with six counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, one count of possession of the proceeds of crime, six counts of unsafe storage of a firearm, six counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm obtained by crime. He will next appear in court on Monday, Nov. 30, 2015.
Khalil HIJAZI, 23, of Calgary, has been charged with one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking, two counts of possession of the proceeds of crime, six counts of unsafe storage of a firearm, and six counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm. HIJAZI appeared in court on Monday, Nov. 23, 2015.
The investigation continues and further charges may be laid.
The Calgary Police Service would like to thank the media and members of the public. Anyone with information about ongoing drug trafficking is asked to contact the non-emergency number 403-266-1234, or the Drug Tip Line at 403-428-8100 or by email at drugtips@calgarypolice.ca.
Tips can also be left anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637