Three people, including a well-known Edmonton landlord, are facing charges after a large drug seizure near the city’s downtown core.
Officers executed a search warrant at a business on 111 Avenue and 93 Street on Wednesday and seized a variety of drugs and paraphernalia.
“This is an ongoing investigation that’s been going on for a period of time,” said Inspector Ed McIsaac with the downtown division of the Edmonton Police Service.
“We’re getting lots of tips from the community all the time. The investigation led us to that address.”
Police recovered close to two pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of $86,780. Other items seized include:
- 186 dilaudid pills with a street value of $5,580
- 74 oxycodone pills with a street value of $2,220
- 52 Ritalin pills with a street value of $1,560
- $8,615 in cash as well as scales, packaging and mobile phones
“It’s a big seizure. It’s going to cause some impact. It’s not going to stop the drug trade in Edmonton,” McIsaac said.
Abdullah Shah, also known as Carmen Pervez, 53, is facing five charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property over $5,000 and three charges of breach of condition of a recognizance.
McIsaac said police believe Shah is the “man in charge” of the operation. He said there was another drug bust in the same location on Dec. 24, 2015 that netted more drug charges for Shah.
“The community brought us to this address. The evidence led us back to this. We weren’t targeting a specific person or location,” McIsaac said.
Sarah Fassman, 36, and Jennifer Vuong, 57, are both facing four charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of stolen property over $5,000.
Police can’t say whether the women are known to police, if they are from Edmonton or what their relationship is. They are not looking for any other suspects and are not searching any other properties.
Shah was convicted in a $30-million mortgage fraud, and he has been accused of failing to maintain properties he has owned. Properties attached to his name have been declared unfit for human habitation.
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There was also a double shooting on New Year’s Day at Eclipse Hookah Lounge, a building that is tied to him and registered to Shah’s wife. One victim died in hospital a week later.
Brendan Van Alstine, the president of the Alberta Avenue Community League, said they are pleased with news of the drug bust.
“There have been all sorts of issues around drug trafficking and shady activities happening in this property,” he said.
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