Calgary, AB,
20
July
2016
|
09:57
America/Denver

Organized crime investigation leads to multiple arrests

Following a lengthy investigation into two homicides, the Calgary Police Service has charged four men in connection with the murders and drug activity.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014, Jason Quinn ANTONIO, 39, was found deceased outside his home in the 300 block of Manora Crescent N.E., after reports of a shooting. Following ANTONIO’s death, a complex investigation ensued involving numerous units within the CPS.

At approximately 10:45 a.m., on Wednesday, May 27, 2015, police were called to an office building located in the 10300 block of Bonaventure Drive S.E., due to gunshots being fired. One man was transported to hospital where he later died. The victim was identified as Taylor John ZANONI, 23, of Calgary.

Investigators had information that led them to believe both murders were connected to a group of individuals who were heavily involved in drug activity. As a result of a joint investigation between the CPS and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration Orange County, CA Resident Office and Tri-Cities, WA Task Force Group, arrests were made on Friday, July 15, 2016, during what was believed to be an attempt to bring drugs into Canada. A total of 14.2 kilograms of cocaine and 3.2 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized.

On Tuesday, July 19, 2016, the CPS executed a number of search warrants on residences and businesses believed to be connected to this investigation:

  • A home in the 100 block of Nolan Lake View N.W.
  • A home in the 300 block of 3 Street S.E.
  • Two residences in the 0-100 block of Gray Way, Bearspaw
  • A business located in the 0-100 block of Westwinds Crescent

During the execution of the search in the 300 block of 3 Street S.E., two CPS officers came into contact with an unknown substance and required medical attention from EMS. The members were taken to hospital for precautionary measures and later released. This scene is currently being held and the RCMP Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response Team has been called in to assist with the search and decontamination. The Calgary Fire Department and EMS are assisting. There is expected to be significant disruption in the area today as the teams work to remove any unknown substances and render the area safe. There is no imminent danger to the public at this time.

As a result of this investigation, the following people have been charged:

Gursharanjit PARMAR, 32, of Calgary, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of ANTONIO and ZANONI. He is also charged with one count each of conspiracy to import cocaine and proceeds of crime.

Joshua Lloyd OKABE, 30, of Calgary, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of ANTONIO and ZANONI. He is also charged with one count of conspiracy to import cocaine.

Ricco KING, 44, of Calgary, is charged with two counts of conspiracy to import cocaine, two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, and one count of proceeds of crime.

William KING, 71, father of Ricco KING, is charged with one count of conspiracy to import cocaine.

All four accused will appear in court on Friday, July 22, 2016.