17-04-25 Phenacetin seizure - Glock 2
17-04-25 Phenacetin seizure - Glock 2
Calgary, AB,
26
April
2017
|
07:38
America/Denver

Two charged in seizure of 83 kilograms of phenacetin

The Calgary Police Service Investigative Operations Section has charged two people after an investigation led to the seizure of a record amount of phenacetin.

In January 2017, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) alerted the CPS to the importation of a large amount of the pharmaceutical drug phenacetin. Often referred to as “super buff” and used as a cutting agent for cocaine, phenacetin is a pain-relieving pharmaceutical that is regulated under the Food and Drugs Act due to its potential cancer causing properties.

During the course of the investigation, officers identified a potential address associated to the suspects and on Thursday, April 20, 2017, executed a search warrant on an apartment in the 1000 block of 14 Avenue S.W. The following items were seized as a result:

  • 83.076 kilograms of phenacetin, estimated to be worth approximately $83,000
  • 5.3 grams of cocaine
  • $7,800 Canadian currency
  • $535 U.S. currency
  • A loaded, 9 mm Glock handgun
  • Various items believed to be used in the re-processing of drugs such as scales, money counters and electronic devices.

The occupants of the residence were located in northwest Calgary and arrested the same day.

Mohamed Sirage OMAR, 32, of Calgary, is charged with one count each of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, careless storage of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence, loaded restricted firearm, label drugs deceptively, import drug without a licence and two counts of possession of a firearm while prohibited. He will next appear in court Wednesday, April 26, 2017..

Yasmin Ibrahim MOHAMMED, 31, of Calgary, is charged with one count each of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, careless storage of a firearm, possession of a firearm without a licence, and loaded restricted firearm.

The CPS would like to thank the CBSA for their diligence and assistance in this investigation.

The strategic enforcement of drug and weapons trafficking is a priority for the Calgary Police Service. Illegal drug activity is a danger to the community and a root cause of social disorder, violent crime and property crime. Vehicle thefts, break and enters and robberies are often committed by those trying to fuel addiction. The CPS aims to address root causes of crime through crime reduction strategies and community partnerships to ensure Calgary remains a safe place to live.