Members of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams say that a joint investigation with the Calgary Police Service has resulted in the seizure of over 1,800 fentanyl pills, one of the largest in the agency’s history.
In early January, ALERT opened an investigation to help CPS in exploring a connection with stolen vehicles and drug offences.
The agency was working from a tip that a Calgary man was using a stolen vehicle to conduct a drug operation.
"It was taken from a house break-and-enter," said CPS Staff Sergeant Keith Hurley. "The keys and the vehicle, we believe, were stolen at the same time."
"This particular vehicle, this BMW, that we seized had been re-VINed and registered legally using another VIN (vehicle identificantion number). It would have given the appearance that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle."
The investigation concluded with the execution of search warrants on homes in Riverbend and Mountview.
ALERT seized the following during the operation:
- Stolen 2016 BMW coupe
- 1,831 fentanyl pills
- 130 grams of cocaine
- 44 grams of crack cocaine
- 48 grams of heroin
- Two grams of methamphetamine
- 24 grams of marijuana
- 13 grams of codeine
- 321 grams of an unknown powder
- $104,342 in cash proceeds of crime
The BMW, valued at $60,000, was reported stolen from a Calgary home in July 2016.
Leslie Ma, a 25-year-old man, and Anny Vo, a 24-year-old woman, are facing 22 charges in connection with the investigation.
The charges related to drug trafficking, possession of stolen property and possession of proceeds of crime.
"(Fentanyl) isn't an issue that's just affecting Calgary," said CPS Staff Sergeant Keith Hurley. "This is affecting Calgary, the bedroom outside communities, southern Alberta and even the province as a whole. We have seen this becoming a much bigger issue."
Any residents who suspect drug or gang activity in their community is encouraged to call their local police detachment or Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling 1-800-222-8477.
