Two people are facing drug charges after police seized about 120 pounds of marijuana, that was being transported to Alberta from B.C., from two vehicles in a northwest parking lot.
Police say they were tipped earlier this year that a large amount of marijuana was on its way here and that led to them conducting the traffic stop on Thursday, September 25.
“It is certainly a significant seizure but ultimately it was a tip that led us to these individuals and I’m sure that the other people that are maybe conducting themselves illegally will ultimately run the risk of having tips passed on to the police about them as well,” said Drug Unit Staff Sgt. Tom Hanson.
Two people were taken into custody and police sized the marijuana saying it was contained in dozens of heat-sealed packages that were stashed in black garbage bags.
Sandra Pearl Dalpe, 61, of Chestermere, is charged with trafficking cannabis marijuana and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Douglas Paul Hryniw, 51, of Calgary, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.
“They were arrested in a northwest Calgary parking lot. At a commercial location,” said S/Sgt Hanson. “It was in the vicinity of Sarcee Trail and Stoney Trail.”
Police say large hauls of marijuana like this are typically linked to organized crime.
“Significant seizures of marijuana on any kind of a drug is ultimately going to be linked to organized crime, you bet,” said Hanson. “It is linked to organized crime at some point in the process for sure.
Police say the street value of the drugs is about $535,500 and that the people charged were not known to them prior to the investigation.
They say the accused have been released pending their first court appearance.
