Multiple charges laid in organized crime investigations

Since the beginning of the year, the Calgary Police Service has prioritized the investigation, suppression and enforcement of gun violence in our city. As a result of these efforts, we have laid charges and seized firearms in relation to a number of recent organized crime investigations.

To date this year, we have responded to 91 shootings in the city of Calgary.

“While our city has seen a rise in gun violence and shootings this year, it’s important to note that not all shootings can be attributed to true organized crime,” says Inspector Jodi Gach of the CPS Organized Crime and Offender Management (OCOM) Section. “What we are seeing now is firearms being used in the commission of all types of crime, by offenders who are not organized crime offenders.”

Regardless of motivation, offenders involved in this type of crime have shown very little regard for the safety of Calgarians, with several recent incidents occurring in busy public areas.

“While motivation for gun violence varies, each incident leaves a trail of Calgarians impacted,” says Inspector Gach. “In each case, there are witnesses, family members, neighbours and business owners who deal with the consequences of this reckless violence.”

Recent investigations lead to gun seizures

Investigators from our OCOM section specifically focus on shooting and violent crime that are believed to have an organized crime connection. As a result of recent OCOM investigations, the following firearms have been seized, and charges have been laid:

• On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun was seized following a search warrant by the Organized Crime Response Unit at a residence located on Covecreek Mews NE. The firearm is believed to have been used in a shooting that occurred in Saddleridge on Wednesday, April 6, 2022. The shooting, which had over 35 rounds fired from at least four different firearms resulted in ten homes and three vehicles being hit with stray bullets. Nesheir MOHAMMED, 24, of Calgary has been charged with five firearms-related charges as a result of the firearm seizure. The shooting investigation is ongoing and CCTV from the shooting is being released on The City of Calgary Newsroom. Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

• On Sunday, July 17, 2022, a loaded Glock firearm was discovered inside checked luggage at the Calgary International Airport. Upon discovery, airport security notified police who took the individual into custody without incident. Samuel DEVERZE, 31, of Calgary, has been charged with five firearms-related charges as a result.  
• On Friday, April 29, 2022, a loaded .380 Ruger handgun was recovered after a vehicle was towed following a traffic stop on Sunday, April 24, 2022. As a result, investigators from the Organized Crime Response Unit conducted a search warrant at an apartment located in the 500 block 6 Avenue S.E., and located $5,000 worth of drugs and more than $30,000 of Canadian currency. Masood MOHAMMAD, 28, of Calgary, has been charged with 11 firearms and drug-related offences.
• On Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, our Violent Crime Suppression Team conducted a traffic stop on an individual believed to be in violation of parole. Following a search of the vehicle, two loaded semi-automatic handguns were seized. Ahed ALWAN, 26, of Calgary has since been charged with sixteen firearms-related offences.
• Following a three-month investigation by the Organized Crime Operations Unit, four loaded firearms and one unloaded firearm, a high capacity magazine, body armor and drugs were seized from individuals believed to be associated to an organized crime group. John OCHELO, 27, Shaylon SMUTS, 28, Dhia El-Hage MOHAMMED, 29, Feysal ABDUL-AZIZ, 29, have been charged with a total of 83 offences. Abdoulaye Gadjiko, 24, is also wanted on warrants in relation to the investigation. He is described as 5’9” tall, 180 pounds with black hair, brown eyes and tattoos on his chest and both forearms. A photo of GADJIKO is available on the City of Calgary Newsroom.

Photos of some of these seized firearms are available on The City of Calgary Newsroom.

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 about this gun violence or the presence of firearms in our community 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