More than $5.7 million worth of drugs seized in trafficking investigation

We have seized more than $5.7 million worth of drugs from a sophisticated methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine production lab that was being operated out of a northwest Calgary residence.

In July 2021, the Service identified two suspects that were believed to be engaging in activity consistent with drug trafficking. After an eight-month-long investigation, which included the collection of a significant amount of evidence, investigators executed search warrants on two properties in Chestermere and one residence located in the 400 block of Nolan Hill Drive N.W., on Thursday, April 7, 2022.

During the search of the Calgary residence, officers uncovered a sophisticated methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine production lab. Many Calgary Police Service and RCMP units were involved during the execution of the search warrants to ensure there were no safety concerns inside the residences and that the evidence was properly preserved.

The following items were seized during the investigation:

• 4.57 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at approximately $380,000
• 27.21 kilograms of fentanyl powder, valued at over $4 million
• 3,132 fentanyl pills, valued at approximately $122,640
• 2 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately $140,000
• 43.7 grams of crack cocaine, valued at approximately $43,700
• 47,042 Oxycodone pills, valued at approximately $940,840
• 716 Xanax pills, valued at approximately $3,580
• Additional drug trafficking production equipment, including more than 100 kilograms of an unknown cutting agent.
• One Glock handgun and silencer, with six additional barrels
• A custom-made automatic firearm and silencer
• 900 rounds of ammunition
• $10,000 in Canadian currency

Photos of some of the seized items are available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.

Two individuals were arrested at the Calgary International Airport and have now been charged.

Daniel HENG, 39, and Edric PADUA-BALMES, 30, both of Chestermere, have each been charged with:

• Three counts of production of a controlled substance
• Three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
• One count of possession of the proceeds of crime.

“It is extremely concerning that a drug production lab of this scale was operating in a residential community,” says Sgt. Todd Nichol of Calgary Police Service District 4 Operations Team. “Aside from exploiting those who are most vulnerable, drug trafficking attracts unwanted and unnecessary violence to our community. This was a significant seizure for our Service, that should directly impact the safety of Calgarians.”

Investigators would like to thank the many Calgary Police Service and RCMP members who assisted throughout the course of this investigation.

Case #CA21334247/5118