UPDATE: On Aug. 18, 2022, police said they had laid additional charges in connection with their investigation. Leo Quinn, 46, Victor Burnstick, 33, Charlene Bear, 44, and Albert Chikie, 48, face charges that include attempting to possess property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking under $5,000, theft under $5,000 and conspiracy to possess property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking over $5,000. Three businesses have also been charged with unlawfully attempting to possess property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking under $5,000: Pazzo Pazzo Restaurant Inc., Canex Imports and Exports Ltd. – Lifestyle Mega Market and India – Canada Capital Inc. – Bon Liquor.
A police investigation that began in 2020 has led to the seizure of nearly half a million dollars in drugs, alcohol and cigarettes, and the arrest of 10 local business owners and traffickers.
A total of 40 charges have been laid against the 10 people who were involved in the stolen liquor trade and drug trafficking.
The investigation was initially a response to a growing trend of alcohol theft, but later revealed a larger market for stolen liquor “along with a co-ordinated distribution network that was supplying the liquor to legitimate local businesses,” according to a release from the Edmonton Police Service.
EPS investigators “also determined the individuals involved were trafficking illegal drugs and unmarked cigarettes and were in the possession of stolen property.”
Search warrants allowed police to confiscate approximately $130,000 of liquor, 350,000 unmarked cigarettes, 730 fentanyl pills, 1.49 kilograms of cocaine and 270 Xanax pills.
The resulting charges include conspiracy, trafficking and intent to distribute a controlled substance, among others.
Those who have already been arrested and charged include, Steven Dahrouge, 39; Julien Roussel, 65; James Cermak, 41; Cara Yaremchuk, 34; Michael Gennaro, 51; John Berg, 67; Harkamal Singh Kahlon, 45; James Burns, 42; Thomas Areekadan, 57; and Raj Sony Jalarajan, 46.
Police have arrested an 11th suspect, however charges have not yet been laid. Police are still looking for three more suspects tied to the investigation.
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