The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) has dismantled an organized crime group in Calgary which is alleged to be connected to other crimes, including cross-border drug trade and a homicide case.
ALERT made the announcement at a news conference Thursday.
Dubbed “Project Arbour,” it involved ALERT’s organized crime and gang team, Calgary police and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.
WATCH: Staff Sgt. Barry McCurdy, ALERT Calgary, speaks to media about Project Arbour, a year-long investigation involving drug trafficking, weapons and a double homicide.
It uncovered a Calgary organized crime group’s alleged operation of a fentanyl and steroids lab, alleged involvement in cross-border drug trade and Utah’s largest meth seizure, as well as an alleged role in a May 2017 homicide case, ALERT said.
In May 2017, Colin Reitberger and Anees Amr were killed in a shopping centre parking lot.
READ MORE: $4M in fentanyl, cocaine and meth seized in one of Alberta’s largest drug busts: ALERT
Police say Reitberger was the intended target and Amr was an innocent victim who got caught in the gunfire.
Christian Ouellette was arrested in June 2017 and charged in connection with the shooting.
WATCH: Calgary Police Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta speaks to media regarding the connection between a double homicide in Calgary and an investigation leading to the dismantling of a Calgary organized crime ring.
Police also allege Blais Delaire assisted Ouellete in getting the weapon used in the shootings. Delaire has since been charged with one count of weapons trafficking.
“Operation Arbour was underway while this homicide happened,” said Calgary Police Service Staff Sgt. Martin Schiavetta. “Through the operation Arbour they were able to collaborate with homicide investigators and we were able to put together the pieces of the homicide together very quickly.”
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WATCH: CEO of ALERT Supt. Chad Coles speaks to media after a year-long investigation led to the dismantling of an organized crime group in Calgary.
Three other men have been arrested in connection with the project Arbour investigation: Matthew Speirs, 24, Drew Mann, 25, and Bryan Livingston, 32.
READ MORE: Southern Alberta drug operation targets meth sales, results in 8 arrests
Forty-six charges have been filed ranging from drug offences, firearms offences and participating/instructing a criminal organization.
A number of items were also seized in the investigation including:
- 5 firearms;
- 18 kilograms of suspected fentanyl powder;
- Pill press and dies;
- 50-litre powder mixer;
- 7 kilograms of methamphetamine;
- 2 kilograms of cocaine;
- 700 grams of heroin;
- 8.5 kilograms of cannabis products; and
- Two vehicles
Police are still seeking the public’s assistance with the identification of a red Dodge Durango which may have been involved with the May 2017 homicide of Reitberger and Amr.
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