Calgary, AB,
23
November
2017
|
12:37
America/Denver

Five charged in street-level drug trafficking

The Calgary Police Service Strategic Enforcement Unit has laid 76 charges and executed 20 outstanding warrants in relation to five people involved in three separate street-level drug trafficking investigations. In each of the investigations, a number of different types of drugs were found. Methamphetamine was the most predominant in each.

Nov. 7 - Search and arrest of one man

The first investigation into the trafficking of methamphetamine began in late August 2017 and concluded Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017, with the seizure of:

  • $2,065 Canadian
  • 1.7 grams of heroin
  • 1.5 grams of crack cocaine
  • 31 grams of methamphetamine
  • 12.1 grams of powder cocaine

Charged in relation to this investigation is Ross Michael DARR, 25, of Calgary. He has been charged with nine drug-related charges and nine breaches of conditions.

Nov. 9 - Search and arrest of three people

The second investigation began in late September 2017, after police received information from the public. Numerous investigative techniques were used and a potential suspect was identified, along with a residence where officers believed the drugs were being trafficked from.

On Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, with assistance from the CPS Tactical Unit and District 2 officers, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 1600 block of 37 Avenue N.W. Upon entry, six people were found inside and taken into custody. Two were later released, one was transported to the Calgary Remand Centre for an outstanding warrant, and three were charged in relation to the investigation and seizure of evidence from the residence. The seized items include:

  • 21.5 grams of methamphetamine
  • 4.2 grams of fentanyl
  • 3.7 grams of heroin
  • 0.8 grams of powder cocaine
  • 20.2 grams of crack cocaine
  • 4.8 grams of psilocybin
  • 800 various prescription pills not prescribed to any of the accused
  • $1,060 Canadian
  • Switchblades, batons, brass knuckles
  • Handgun with a loaded magazine
  • Digital scales
  • Stolen prescription pad

Ronald James CHACUN, 45, Lydia NITSCHKE, 22, Shanda HIGGENS, 33, all of Calgary, face 54 drug and weapons related charges, in addition to 20 charges for unrelated warrants.

Nov. 14 – One man charged in August incident

On Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017, police were called to an apartment in the 1100 block of 12 Avenue S.W., in response to a drug complaint. When officers arrived on scene, a noticeable amount of drugs and money were in plain view. The residence was contained and a search warrant was sought and later executed. Upon search of the apartment the following items were seized:

  • $5,127 Canadian
  • $292 American
  • Money counter, scales
  • 20 rounds of 9 mm ammunition
  • 4 pop cans with hidden compartments
  • 7.7 grams unknown powder
  • 27.8 grams of suspected ketamine
  • 0.5 grams of fentanyl
  • 8.7 grams of cocaine
  • 478.5 grams of methamphetamine

On Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017, Devon TYLER, 30, of Calgary, was charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of proceeds of crime.

The strategic enforcement of drug and weapons trafficking is a priority for the Calgary Police Service. Illegal drug activity is a danger to the community and a root cause of social disorder, violent crime and property crime. Vehicle thefts, break and enters and robberies are often committed by those trying to fuel addiction. The CPS aims to address root causes of crime through crime reduction strategies and community partnerships to ensure Calgary remains a safe place to live.