Police charge three men in drug trafficking operations following overdose deaths
We have charged three men with 49 criminal offences and seized more than $55,000 worth of drugs in two unrelated drug trafficking investigations after two fatal drug overdoses dating back to 2022 and 2023.
As part of the Calgary Police Service OverDOSE pilot project, which utilizes Drug Unit members to maintain consistency in all overdose or drug-related death investigations, our officers launched extensive investigations around drug trafficking activities following the two fatal overdoses.
While there is insufficient evidence to lay charges in relation to the overdose deaths, the evidence found during the investigations identified drug traffickers who were believed to have previous contact with the victims, which led our officers to conduct investigations.
2022 overdose death
In August 2022, a man was found deceased in his residence, resulting from a drug overdose. Our officers began an extensive investigation into an individual believed to be responsible for selling the drugs to the victim, and in March 2024, had collected enough evidence to lay charges.
On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, two men were arrested and charged with drug trafficking, and following a search of the suspect’s vehicle, approximately 84 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 32 grams of fentanyl were seized.
As a result, Ross Michael DARR, 32, of Calgary, was charged with:
· Three counts of trafficking
· Three counts of possession of property obtained by crime
· Two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
DARR will next appear in court on Friday, June 28, 2024.
In addition, Brandon HOWATT, 38, of Calgary, was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
HOWATT will next appear in court today, Monday, June 24, 2024.
2023 overdose death
In October 2023, another man was found deceased after overdosing in his residence, and our officers initiated an investigation. From January 2024 to May 2024, our officers investigated a man believed to be drug trafficking and collected evidence that led them to a home located in the northeast community of Skyview Ranch.
On Thursday, May 9, 2024, a search warrant was executed in the 0 to 100 block of Skyview Ranch Landing N.E., and the following was seized:
· Approximately 10 grams of crack cocaine
· Approximately 43 grams of cocaine
· 18 hydrocodone pills
· 414 oxycodone pills
· 20 grams of MDMA
· $5,050 in Canadian currency
· .22 M15 rifle
· Ammunition
· Cell phones
· Scales
· Other items consistent with drug trafficking activity
As a result, Karanbir Singh KHAIRA, 26, of Calgary, is charged with:
· 16 counts of trafficking a controlled substance
· 16 counts of possession of property obtained by crime
· Four counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
· Careless storage of a firearm
· Possession of an unauthorized firearm
· Possession of a loaded firearm while restricted
KHAIRA will next appear in court today, Monday, June 24, 2024.
“There is no such thing as a safe street drug, and every time people consume illegal narcotics, they are taking a chance with their life. In 2023, there were 571 people who lost their lives due to drug overdoses in our city, and each of those deaths has the potential to result in drug traffickers being charged,” says Calgary Police Service Inspector Jeff Pennoyer. “We are willing to use every resource available to ensure those involved will be held accountable for their actions.”
Anyone with information about these incidents, or who has information about drug trafficking in Calgary, 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
CA23387685/4971 CA24025276/4924