Edmonton, Alberta – The Edmonton Police Service has charged four Edmonton men and seized more than $1.3 million in drugs and cash following a 14-month organized crime investigation.
In February 2021, EPS Drug and Gang Enforcement (EDGE) Section initiated an investigation into the suspected trafficking of drugs by a group of four men. Over the course of the investigation, search warrants were executed on three vehicles and at five residences in south and southwest Edmonton. During the searches, police seized a large quantity of cash, a variety of controlled substances, a weapon, ammunition and vehicles, including:
$540,000 cash
6.6 kgs cocaine (approximate street value of $327,000)
74 kgs benzocaine (approximate street value of $222,000)
47 kgs acetaminophen (approximate street value of $142,000)
36 kgs of phenacetin (approximate street value of $109,000)
429 g boric acid (approximate street value of $1,500)
170 ml of GHB
A Kia Sorento and Dodge Journey with hidden compartments
A 2021 Mercedes Benz GLE
50 rounds of 9 mm ammunition
.22 caliber firearm magazine
Box of .22 caliber ammunition
Brass knuckles
A large variety of items consistent with the trafficking of drugs
Photo of some of the items seized are included below:
All four men have since been arrested and are facing numerous charges:
Nadeem Abdulgany, 38, and Mohamed Cherkaoui, 34, are each charged with commission of an offence for a criminal organization, conspiracy and possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000.
Mahmoud Taliani, 34, and Robert Haberstock, 30, are each charged with commission of an offence for a criminal organization, conspiracy, possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000. Haberstock is also facing an additional charge for possession of a prohibited weapon.
“As this investigation reveals, drug trafficking can unfortunately be a lucrative business that comes at the expense of our communities and those most vulnerable to the impacts of illicit drug use,” says Staff Sergeant David Paton with the EPS Drug & Gang Enforcement Section.
“By targeting organized crime groups operating in this city, we are making our communities safer, holding these groups accountable, and preventing them from preying on the vulnerable.”
Edmonton Police Service
MRU #: 22R040
“Dedicated to Protect, Proud to Serve”
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