Calgary police disrupt national drug trafficking operation
We have seized more than 90 kilograms of cocaine and charged two men following a four-month investigation into an alleged drug trafficker who was operating in Calgary.
In October 2022, we received information about an individual in Calgary who was believed to be involved in a cross-Canada drug trafficking operation. As a result, our Organized Crime and Offender Management Section began investigating and engaged a number of undercover and investigative resources from across the Calgary Police Service, as well as the Edmonton Police Service, Vancouver Police Department and United States Drug Enforcement Administration.
After an extensive investigation, on Friday, Feb. 17, and Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, we intercepted two vehicles that were travelling to Calgary from Vancouver. Investigators executed search warrants on these vehicles and discovered both vehicles were equipped with aftermarket hidden compartments that were welded into the vehicle frames and operated by relay switches and hydraulics. A total of 90.77 kilograms of cocaine was seized from the hidden compartments, which has an estimated wholesale value of more than $5 million.
Investigators also executed search warrants on a residence located in the 3800 block of Brentwood Road N.W., and a third vehicle associated to the residence. During this search, police seized a small amount of cocaine and fentanyl, as well as scales and packaging materials that are consistent with drug trafficking activity.
On Thursday, March 16, 2023, with the assistance of the Vancouver Police Department, one man was arrested in Calgary and one man was arrested in Surrey.
Steven Christopher FERA, 45, of Calgary, and Jason Jamie CHAN, 38, of Surrey, are charged with two counts each of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. They will next appear in court on Friday, April 14, 2023.
We believe these drugs were destined for communities across Canada, and would’ve contributed to many of the issues impacting citizens today, including social disorder, addictions, overdoses and drug-related violence. A seizure of this size significantly disrupts the operations of organized crime groups across Canada and serves as a warning to anyone involved in organized crime that we are targeting them.
This is one of the largest seizures of cocaine by the Service in recent years. Addressing drug trafficking, and the associated violence, continues to be a priority for CPS. Through investigation, prevention, and enforcement activities, we have coordinated our resources to reduce victimization and enhance community safety.
We would like to thank our partners at EPS, VPD and the DEA for their significant support throughout the investigation.
If you have information that could help an investigation, such as witnessing suspicious behaviour or vehicles, please contact police. Even something small can have a great impact on an investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers through any of the following methods:
TALK: 1-800-222-8477
TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org
APP: P3 Tips
Case #CA22442940