Four firearms seized as a result of proactive policing

Over the past two weeks, officers from our Violent Crime Suppression Team (VCST) have seized four firearms in a proactive effort to address organized crime and gun violence in Calgary.

The VCST, previously referred to as the Gang Suppression Team, focuses on offender management by monitoring and targeting individuals who have a history of violence or are known to have connections to organized crime. The VCST uses a combination of investigative and enforcement efforts to suppress organized crime-related violence and prevent the victimization of Calgarians.

Over the past two weeks, VCST officers have arrested five individuals, seized four firearms, and laid 31 charges in relation to offenders breaching their court-imposed conditions and unlawfully carrying firearms while out in the community.

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It is very concerning that we found these offenders in possession of loaded firearms while out in busy public areas. Thanks to proactive work and quick action from our patrol and VCST officers, we were able to seize these firearms and likely prevent further violence.

Staff Sergeant Mike Lalande of the Organized Crime and Offender Management Section

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Two men arrested in busy restaurant

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On Thursday, July 6, 2023, officers from VCST were conducting a walkthrough of a restaurant located in the 400 block of 8 Avenue S.W., where they located a man sitting at a table who was observed to be in breach of his court-imposed release conditions. Upon taking the man into custody, officers located and seized a loaded, semi-automatic, 9mm handgun that was concealed in the man’s bag.

During the incident, officers also arrested a second man who was found to be in possession of crack cocaine and fentanyl.

Both Khat REAT, 26, of Calgary, is charged with one count each of careless use of a firearm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm, possession of a weapon obtained by crime, possession of a firearm contrary to a prohibition order, and three counts of failing to comply with a court order. REAT was remanded in custody and will next appear in court on Friday, July 21, 2023.

Goaner TUT, 18, of Calgary, is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and one count each of possession of property obtained by crime, obstruction and failing to comply with a court order.

At the time of his arrest, TUT was also wanted on 22 outstanding warrants for firearms offences, failing to comply with a court order, trafficking of a controlled substance and Traffic Safety Act violations. TUT has since been released from custody and will next appear in court on Friday, July 28, 2023.

Case #23287488/5083

Three men arrested during traffic stop in downtown Calgary

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23-07-20 VCST firearms seizure_1

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On Saturday, July 15, 2023, officers from VCST were in the 800 block of 9 Avenue S.W., when they observed a vehicle travelling with a passenger who had fled from patrol officers a short time earlier. VCST officers initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and took four men into custody.

A search of the individuals resulted in the seizure of three firearms, including:

A Glock G5 9mm handgun, in which the serial number was removed
A Glock Gen 4 9mm handgun
A loaded Glock 48, in which the serial number was removed

In addition to the firearms, investigators also seized other evidence and two vehicles, which are pending investigation.

Harliv CHEEMA, 18, of Calgary, is charged with one count each of carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm and possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number. CHEEMA will next appear in court on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.

Brian ADAMS, 29, of Calgary, is charged with one count each of carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm, possession of a firearm with a tampered serial number and possession of a controlled substance. ADAMS will next appear in court on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.

Ethan Michael PHAN, 22, of Calgary, is charged with one count each of carrying a concealed weapon, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm and possession of firearm with a tampered serial number. PHAN will next appear in court on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023.

All three accused have since been released from custody and are bound by court-imposed conditions to not possess firearms.

A fourth individual was released without charges.

Case #CA23303091/4429

Addressing gun violence requires community support

Addressing gun violence continues to be a priority for our Service. Through investigation, prevention, and enforcement activities, we have co-ordinated our resources to reduce victimization and enhance community safety.

Our efforts to address gun violence rely on strong community support. If you have information that could help an investigation, such as witnessing suspicious behaviour or vehicles, please contact police. Even something small can have a great impact on an investigation.

Anyone with information 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