Five people charged in drug investigation
Five people have been charged following an investigation into cocaine trafficking by members of the Calgary Police Service District 4 and the Strategic Enforcement Unit.
The operation began in July 2016, when officers in District 4 received information that led them to believe drugs were being trafficked from a residence in Forest Lawn. Following months of work by investigators, on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016, two CDSA warrants were executed on residences in the 1200 block of 44 Street S.E., and the 600 block of 68 Avenue S.W.
Four individuals were located at the residence on 68 Avenue. Two were taken into custody without incident, while two others fled on foot and attempted to discard drugs while fleeing. They were quickly apprehended with the assistance of the Gang Suppression Team and the Canine Unit.
A fifth man was arrested during the course of the investigation.
A search of the residences located:
- 93.1 grams of cocaine worth an estimated $9,500
- 61 pills of fentanyl worth an estimated $1,220
- $12,300 of cash
- A loaded 40 caliber Beretta handgun, previously reported stolen
One man has been charged with 26 CDSA and Criminal Code offences related to this investigation, while three others face numerous charges themselves. In total, 55 charges were laid during this investigation. In addition, 16 outstanding warrants were also executed.
Charged are the following:
Victor BRAIMA, 20, of Calgary, is facing 14 charges. He will next appear in court on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016.
Ali SHAHBAZ, 22, of Calgary, is facing 26 charges. He will next appear in court on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016.
Juan RUIZ DURANGO, 19, of Calgary, is facing eight charges. He will next appear in court on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016.
Ruot GATWECH, 22, of Calgary, is facing three charges. He will next appear in court on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016.
Nawaz ALI, 23, of Calgary is facing four charges. He will next appear in court on Friday, Nov. 4, 2016.