Calgary, AB,
14
September
2022
|
08:58
America/Denver

Three charged in drug-trafficking operation targeting Transit

Two men and one woman have been charged following a three-month investigation into drug-trafficking targeting CTrain lines that cumulated in the seizure of more than $92,000 worth of drugs.

During an operation in July 2022 targeting drug trafficking along the CTrain lines, police became aware of a suspect believed to be involved in supplying drugs to other drug traffickers within the downtown area. A three-month investigation by the District 1 District Operations Team confirmed activity consistent with drug trafficking connected to a northeast residence and a room at a southeast hotel.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, 2022, a search warrant was executed at a home in the 100 block of Cityscape Row N.E. One man was located inside the residence and arrested on outstanding warrants. A second suspect was located in a vehicle in the area and also arrested.

While the search warrant was being conducted on the home, a second search warrant was simultaneously executed on a hotel room at the Deerfoot Inn and Casino. One man was located inside the room and arrested on outstanding warrants.

During the search of the home, the vehicle and the hotel room, the following items were seized:

  • 155 grams of fentanyl
  • 679 grams of methamphetamine
  • 10.9 grams of crack cocaine
  • $5,380 Canadian cash
  • Weapons, including two sets of brass knuckles, bear spray and an airsoft hand gun

“Drug trafficking investigations are resource-intensive. This required multiple units from across the Service to gather enough evidence to form the grounds for a search warrant, as well as the use of the Tactical Teams, Canine Unit and patrol officers to initiate the simultaneous search warrants,” says District 1 Staff Sgt. Kurt Jacobs.  “The amount of drugs seized during the point in time of the search warrants is not indicative of the level of trafficking we believe was at play. Drugs move through distribution networks quickly and we are pleased to have disrupted the flow of drugs in our city, and in particular to our downtown area.” 

Mark Anthony ICARO, 43, has been charged with the following and will next appear in court on Oct 3, 2022.

  • Three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
  • One count of proceeds of crime
  • One count of possession of a prohibited weapon
  • Two counts of breach of a release order

Thao Thi Thanh LE, 43, has been charged with the following and will next appear in court on Sept 14, 2022.

  • One count of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
  • One count of proceeds of crime
  • Four counts of breach of a release order

Frederic Valdeo ROA, 49, has been charged with the following and will next appear in court on Sept 16, 2022.

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

Anyone with information about this incident 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

Case #22314044