Drug trafficking charges stem from overdose deaths

Two unrelated overdose deaths earlier this year led police to multiple arrests and drug trafficking charges.

In January 2023, an individual reached out to police to provide evidence in the overdose death of their family member. Investigators were able to use this evidence and further investigation to help identify a drug trafficker, who was believed to be responsible for selling the drugs involved in the overdose death.

On Thursday, April 27, 2023, a search warrant was executed on a vehicle and a residence in the 800 block of Fourth Avenue S.W. The search found 21.1 grams of crack cocaine, 62.4 grams of powder cocaine, 200 grams of cutting agent and $445 cash.

As a result, Brandon TALLMAN, 27, of Calgary has been charged with three counts of trafficking, four counts of possession of property obtained by crime and two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. TALLMAN is to appear in court on Wednesday, June 28, 2023.

Also in January 2023, another individual reached out to police to provide evidence in a separate, unrelated overdose death. Investigative leads directed officers to an individual believed to be responsible for selling the drugs that caused the death.

On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, officers conducted an operation at a residence in the 1400 block of 26A Street S.W. As a result, Darren BOYLE, 32, of Calgary has been charged with three counts of trafficking, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime and one count of unlawful possession of identity documents. BOYLE is to appear in court on Friday, June 23, 2023.

Investigators do not believe there is any link between the two groups of charged individuals. The deaths were investigated and deemed non-criminal in nature, and therefore, further charges related to the deaths were not laid. The drugs seized at each of the scenes were sent for testing to determine if there were any unusual factors at play in the deaths. Thus far, testing has revealed no abnormalities.

“The purchase and sale of illegal narcotics puts our community and those we love at risk. In these situations, two people needlessly lost their lives and we’ll use every resource available to us to ensure all those involved will be held responsible for their actions,” says the Calgary Police Service’s Inspector Jeff Pennoyer. “There is no such thing as a safe street drug. Every time people consume illegal narcotics, they are taking a chance with their life.”

Investigations are currently ongoing for events believed to be connected to these incidents.

Anyone with information about these incidents 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 #s CA23086155, CA23129673/CA23138050