Search of Calgary homes results in $700,000 drug bust

Two men have been arrested after ALERT searched two homes and two vehicles in Calgary and seized more than $700,000 worth of drugs and cash.

ALERT’s Calgary organized crime and gang team made the seizure on July 26, 2018, after searching homes in the neighbourhoods of Copperfield and Douglasdale.

Both homes were allegedly being used to package and press cocaine for street-level drug sales.

ALERT alleges the two men arrested were involved in cocaine distribution and supplying drug markets in Calgary and surrounding communities.

Calgary Police Service provided assistance on the case.

Colton Darby and Ricardo Martinez were arrested without incident. Both men are 21 years old and together they face a total of 23 drug and firearms-related offences.

The value of the drugs and cash seized exceeds $700,000:

4.5 kilograms of cocaine;
549 grams of heroin;
360 grams of cannabis;
a 2013 BMW sedan; and
$30,085 cash proceeds of crime.

Investigators also seized a Glock handgun, various rounds of ammunition, two prohibited magazines, and body armour. The handgun is believed to have been smuggled from the United States by unknown suspects.

Darby is charged with:

Production of a controlled substance (x 2);
Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 3);
Possession of property obtained by crime;
Unlawful possession of a firearm;
Possession of a firearm obtained by crime;
Possession of a prohibited device (x 2);
Possession of a firearm without a license;
Possession of a weapon contrary to order; and
Breach of probation.

Martinez is charged with:

Production of a controlled substance;
Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2);
Possession of property obtained by crime;
Unlawful possession of a firearm;
Possession of a firearm obtained by crime;
Possession of a prohibited device (x 2);
Possession of a firearm without a license;
Possession of body armour.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

Related Topics:ALERT. Calgary Police Service Calgary drugs and gun seized

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Alberta

Protecting the right to vote for Canadian citizens: Minister McIver

Published on May 1, 2024

Government of Alberta

Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver issued the following statement in response to Calgary City Council’s vote to extend the right to vote to permanent residents:

“Yesterday, Calgary city council passed a motion advocating for permanent residents to be extended the right to vote in civic elections. Alberta’s government has been clear since the beginning: only Canadian citizens are able to vote in civic elections. That will not be changing.

“The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms affirms the right of every Canadian citizen to vote and to run as a candidate. This right extends to voters in municipal, provincial and federal elections.

“Protecting our democracy is of the utmost importance. Our provincial election legislation, like the Local Authorities Elections Act, has also been clear since its inception that voting is a right of Canadian citizens.

“Alberta’s government is also ensuring that voting is accessible for more Albertans. The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act proposes to enable special ballot access for any voter who requests it, without having to provide any specific reason such as physical disability, absence from the municipality or working for the municipal election. The ministries of Seniors, Community and Social Services and Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction are also making it easier for individuals to obtain the identification Albertans need for a variety of services, including the ability to cast a ballot.

“Our government will continue to protect the integrity of our elections and make sure voting is accessible for all Albertans who are Canadian citizens.”

Alberta

Three Calgary massage parlours linked to human trafficking investigation

Published on April 30, 2024

Todayville

News release from the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT)

ALERT’s Human Trafficking unit has searched and closed three Calgary massage parlours. A year-long investigation has linked the businesses and its owner to suspected human trafficking.

ALERT arrested Hai (Anna) Yan Ye on April 16, 2024 and charged the 48-year-old with advertising sexual services, drug offences and firearms offences. The investigation remains ongoing and further charges are being contemplated.

Ye was linked to three commercial properties and two homes that were allegedly being used for illegal sexual activities and services. The massage parlours were closed following search warrant executions carried out by ALERT, the Calgary Police Service, and the RCMP:

Seagull Massage at 1034 8 Avenue SW;
128 Massage at 1935 37 Street SW; and
The One Massage Centre at 1919 31 Street SE.
1100-block of Hidden Valley Drive; and
3100-block of 12 Avenue SW.

As result of the search warrants, ALERT also seized:

$15,000 in suspected proceeds of crime;
Shotgun with ammunition; and
Various amounts of drugs.

“We believe that these were immigrants being exploited into the sex trade. This has been a common trend that takes advantage of their unfamiliarity and vulnerability,” said Staff Sergeant Gord MacDonald, ALERT Human Trafficking.

Four suspected victims were identified and provided resources by ALERT’s Safety Network Coordinators.

ALERT’s investigation dates back to February 2023 when a tip was received about suspicious activity taking place at the since-closed Moonlight Massage. That location was closed during the investigation, in December 2023, when the landlord identified illegal suites on the premises.

The investigation involved the close cooperation with City of Calgary Emergency Management and Community Safety, Alberta’s Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) team, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and the RCMP.

Ye was released from custody on a number of court-imposed conditions.

Anyone with information about this investigation, or any case involving suspected human trafficking offences, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.