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Calgary, AB,
31
May
2024
|
09:22
America/Denver

Five charged in illegal selling of contraband cigarettes

The Calgary Police Service has charged five individuals in relation to the trafficking of contraband cigarettes in downtown Calgary, resulting in the seizure of approximately $140,000 in product.

Between Sunday, March 31, 2024, to Thursday, May 16, 2024, the District Operations Team (DOT) investigated five individuals who were believed to be selling contraband cigarettes in the 800 block of Third Street S.E.

During the course of the investigation, the suspects were connected to a storage locker in the 300 block of 10 Avenue S.E., and a 2008 Jeep Patriot. Search warrants were sought for the vehicle, the suspect’s residences, and the storage locker.

Upon searching the vehicle along with the residence of three of the five men, police discovered evidence suggesting the operation included selling of illegal contraband from two additional lockers. Additional warrants were sought for these new locations and on Thursday, May 16, 2024, four of the men were arrested, and three search warrants were executed in the following locations:

·         300 block of 10 Avenue S.E.

·         400 block of Ninth Avenue S.E.

·         2400 block of Centre Avenue N.E.

During the execution of the search warrants, the following items were seized:

  • 367 cartons of contraband cigarettes worth approximately $55,050
  • 153 packs of contraband cigarettes worth approximately $3,060
  • $3,747 in cash
  • brass knuckles

Between Thursday, May 16, 2024, to Tuesday, May 28, 2024, additional investigative evidence suggested that the fifth individual involved supplied the illegal contraband cigarettes from different locations including a 2012 Jeep Compass. On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, the individual was arrested, and four search warrants were executed in the following locations:

·         100 block of 67 Avenue S.W.

·         2100 block of 23 Avenue N.E.

·         2400 block of Centre Avenue S.E.

·         6300 block of 36 Avenue S.E.

During the execution of the search warrants, the following items were seized:

  • 341 cartons of contraband cigarettes worth approximately $51,150
  • 1,837 packs of contraband cigarettes worth approximately $27,555
  • $902 in cash
  • BB gun
  • five grams of methamphetamine

“Disruption of criminal activity in our downtown is critical to ensuring our public spaces remain enjoyable for all residents and visitors. While some may say cigarettes bring no harm, the trafficking in any contraband or illicit substance attracts additional crime and social disorder. Everyone has the right to enjoy our downtown spaces free from fear of criminal activity,” says District 1 Inspector Jason Bobrowich.

As a result of the investigation four individuals have been charged:

Gamal Salim BULBUL, 53, Jason Troy PAPEQUASH, 46, Abdelaziz Mohamed AWAD, 55, and Mohamed Abdelaziz AWD, 23, all of Calgary, have been charged with one count each of trafficking in contraband tobacco, fraud over $5,000 and possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000.

As a result of additional investigative evidence, the fifth individual has also been charged:

Abdulsatar Amad LUHAR, 46, of Calgary, is charged with:

·         One count of trafficking in contraband tobacco

·         One count of fraud over $5,000

·         One count of possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000

·         One count of possession of methamphetamine

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

APP: P3 Tips

CA24185527/4207

CA24213784/4207