EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was originally published on April 1, 2019. It was updated on April 5 after police said Bachchek turned himself in and appeared in court.
An Edmonton man wanted in an international drug importation investigation turned himself into police.
On April 1, Alberta RCMP said they were on the lookout for an Edmonton man wanted in connection with an international drug importation investigation.
Klara Biernacki, 26, and Shahriyar Dolat Khah Bachchek, 39, of Edmonton were charged with importation of opium and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
RCMP were not able to confirm the date(s) the pair were arrested.
While Biernacki was released and is scheduled to appear provincial court in Edmonton on April 19, an arrest warrant was issued for Bachchek.
On March 21, a group of agencies — the RCMP’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime North, the RCMP Dubai Liaison Officer, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Dubai Police Anti Narcotics Unit — finished an international opium import investigation that started in Iraq with drugs bound for Edmonton.
Police said they seized about 4.75 kg of opium.
“The assistance provided by the Dubai Police and CBSA was crucial to this case and is an excellent example of how international police co-operation is effectively working together to address the drug trade,” an RCMP news release said.
On Thursday afternoon, RCMP said Bachchek had turned himself in on April 2. He appeared before a judge and was released on bail.
Bachchek’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 17 at the Edmonton Law Courts.