Drug network disrupted, alleged trafficker charged

An alleged drug trafficker, who is believed to have been a conduit between Vancouver and an Alberta-wide drug-trafficking network, has been arrested and charged following a three-month operation.

In early August, police agencies in southern Alberta became aware of an individual who was participating in activity consistent with drug trafficking in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Calgary and Edmonton. We worked along side our partners at the Lethbridge Police Service and the Medicine Hat Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team on a joint operation to identify the individual and obtain evidence to support charges.

On Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, the suspect was arrested in Calgary and search warrants were executed on a vehicle and a residence in the 1100 block of Third Street S.E. As a result, more than 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl was seized, valued at $386,000, in addition to nearly $2,000 cash. A photo of the seized items is attached for reference.

“We know drug traffickers are not bound by the same jurisdictional boundaries that we are, which is why it is critically important that police agencies across the province work together to identify and stop the importation and distribution of drugs that are killing hundreds of people a year,” says Calgary Police Service Staff Sergeant Kurt Jacobs. “This may only be one individual who was in a possession of a moderate amount of drugs when we took him into custody, but drug traffickers should take note – we are working together and we will put a stop to drug trafficking in our communities, one person at a time.

We extend our gratitude and thanks to our policing partners who assisted in this investigation.”

Rivan ARI, 27, of Vancouver, B.C., is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000. He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022.

 Case #22327059/4207