News

UPDATE: Transportation Safety Board Investigating Plane Crash That Killed Jim Prentice

Published

3 years ago

By Sheldon Spackman

An intensive investigation is underway into the fatal small plane crash that claimed the life of former Alberta Premier and Federal Cabinet Minister Jim Prentice. The Transportation Safety Board began the “Field Phase” of their investigation on Saturday, after first being deployed to the crash site about 18 kilometres north of Kelowna, B.C. on Friday the 14th, a day after the Cessna Citation plane went down.

TSB officials say what they know so far is that the plane left Kelowna’s airport at 9:32 Pacific Time Thursday night, October 13th, bound for the Calgary-Springbank airport. The aircraft then struck ground 8 minutes after take-off, about 11 kilometres north of the Kelowna airport. It’s believed there was one pilot and three passengers on board, including Jim Prentice.

Officials say the aircraft was not equipped with, nor was it required to carry, a Cockpit Voice Recorder or a Flight Data Recorder; however, the team will be reviewing any electronic components on the plane from which they can retrieve data to help understand the flight profile. They add the air?craft was destroyed from high deceleration forces after a vertical descent and there were no emergency or distress calls made. No locator transmitter signal was received either.

Currently, there are 5 TSB investigators on site with the RCMP providing a drone for an aerial site survey, with the data collected to be given to the TSB and B.C. Coroners Service which is controlling the site.

In the coming days, investigators will now examine, document and photograph the aircraft wreckage, make arrangements to transfer relevant aircraft components to the TSB Laboratory in Ottawa for further analysis and examine the occurrence site and surrounding terrain features. They will also gather additional information about weather conditions, information on Air Traffic communications and radar information as well as obtain aircraft maintenance records and pilot records. In addition to that, the team will interview witnesses and next-of-kin, review operational policies and examine regulatory requirements.

Alberta

Search for missing man last seen at Red Deer hotel expands

Published

4 days ago

July 18, 2019

Todayville

The Calgary Police Service Homicide Unit is seeking public assistance in relation to the disappearance of Abdikadir TUKHOV, who was reported missing in December 2016.

Abdikadir TUKHOV, 43, of Calgary was reported missing by friends on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. He was last seen on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, leaving a residence in the community of Abbeydale.

Police have exhausted all footprints of life and as a result of new information from members of community, TUKHOV’s disappearance is considered suspicious. Friends also believe that TUKHOV may have been met with foul play.

TUKHOV lived a transient lifestyle and spent time in Calgary, Grand Prairie, Edmonton and Red Deer. It is believed he worked as a taxi driver in Grand Prairie prior to his disappearance.

Investigators are seeking public assistance to identify a man and a woman seen with TUKHOV at the Cambridge Red Deer Hotel (previously the Sheraton Red Deer), located at 3310 50 Ave., Red Deer, in the early morning hours of Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016. Police believe they may have information about TUKHOV’s disappearance or his activities prior to his disappearance.

A photo of TUKHOV with the man and woman is available above.

The woman is described as 25 to 40, with an average build with brown hair.

The man is described as 30 to 45, with an average build. He can be seen wearing a hat in the photo.

“We know that people in the community have information about Abdikadir’s disappearance,” says Staff Sergeant Martin Schiavetta of the CPS Homicide Unit. “Abdikadir left behind a wife and two children and we ask that anyone who has information come forward so that we can provide closure to his friends and family. Even what seems like the most insignificant information can sometimes be enough to help detectives solve a case.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Calgary Police Service Homicide Tip Line at 403-428-8877. They may also contact the Calgary Police Service non-emergency number at 403-266-1234 or Crime Stoppers anonymously through either of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TEXT: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

Case # 16660072/4110

Alberta

Million-Dollar Cocaine Seizure Made in Edmonton

Published

4 days ago

July 18, 2019

Duane Rolheiser

From ALERT (Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team)

Edmonton… Over a million dollars’ worth of cocaine has been seized after ALERT conducted search warrants at two Edmonton homes. ALERT seized over 11 kilograms of cocaine and 84 kilograms of a cocaine buffing agent.

ALERT’s Edmonton organized crime team made the seizure on June 8, 2019, and one person was arrested. The Edmonton Police Service and Alberta Sheriffs provided assistance.

ALERT alleges that an apartment in the Pembina neighbourhood was being used to package and press cocaine. That is where investigators located 84 kilograms of the cocaine buffing agent Phenacetin – one of the largest seizures of its kind by ALERT.

Phenacetin is a cutting agent used to dilute the purity of cocaine in order to maximize profits. It was banned in Canada in 1973 due to its carcinogenic and kidney-damaging properties.

The total value of the drugs seized is estimated at $1.4 million and includes:

11.37 kilograms of cocaine;
84 kilograms of Phenacetin;
902 grams of ketamine; and
$15,465 cash.

A 26-year-old Edmonton man was arrested. Mihnea Vasiu has been charged with drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

Vasiu became known to ALERT after he was observed meeting with targets in previous investigations.

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. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.