District 2 Operation leads to arrest of two fentanyl traffickers

Two street-level fentanyl dealers have been arrested following an operation by the Calgary Police Service District 2 Operations Team.

Following tips from members of the public, officers in the area of the 3500 block of 20 Avenue N.E. observed a Dodge Ram truck with multiple occupants taking part in what appeared to be drug trafficking activity at approximately 9:50 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28, 2015. The truck left the area shortly afterwards and was observed at multiple locations throughout Calgary and Chestermere making frequent stops for what appeared to be drug-related activity.

Just before midnight, Calgary police officers initiated a traffic stop on the truck in the area of Blackfoot Trail and Heritage Drive S.W. The occupants of the truck, two men, were arrested and a search of the truck revealed 37 suspected fentanyl tablets, $450 cash and a collapsible baton.

Antonio Ian STIPANOV, 21, has been charged with possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, and unauthorized possession of a weapon. STIPANOV will next appear in court on Monday, Feb. 29, 2016.

Jesse Jack Charles DEBEURS, 28, of Calgary, has been charged with possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, and unauthorized possession of a weapon. DEBEURS will next appear in court on Monday, Feb. 22, 2016.