Millions seized in pair of Calgary drug busts

Calgary… Nearly $3 million dollars’ worth of methamphetamine and fentanyl were seized in a pair of ALERT investigations in Calgary.

Two investigations by ALERT’s Calgary organized crime team, which both concluded just days apart, have yielded substantial seizures of fentanyl and methamphetamine. In addition to the drugs, ALERT seized four firearms and arrested five suspects.

In both investigations ALERT received assistance from the Calgary Police Service and the RCMP.

***MEDIA AVAILABILITY: ALERT and CPS spokespersons will be available to speak to the media, along with items seized, on Thursday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. in the CPS Media Room (5111 47 St. N.E.).

Operation Crucible concluded with two Calgary homes being searched on July 28, 2022. ALERT searched two homes in the Spruce Cliff and Thorncliffe neighbourhoods, and seized the following:

• Two firearms;
• 28,355 grams of methamphetamine; and
• Nissan SUV.

The Nissan SUV was outfitted with a hydraulic hidden compartment where a a handgun was located. The vehicle will be submitted to the province’s civil forfeiture office.

Two Calgary-based suspects were arrested as part of Operation Crucible:

• Matthew Allen, 33-year-old from Calgary; and
• Khynnan Ackeral, 18-year-old from Calgary.

Operation Cairo wrapped up a week prior on July 20, 2022. Two homes in the northeast Calgary neighbourhood of Coventry Hills were searched with the following being seized:

• Two handguns;
• 12,609 grams of methamphetamine;
• 1,201 grams of fentanyl powder;
• 3,000 tablets of fentanyl;
• 412 grams of cocaine; and
• $1,025 cash.

Both of the handguns were loaded, and one of which was equipped with a prohibited over-capacity magazine. The firearms will be submitted for forensic testing and ballistic analysis.

Three people were arrested in Operation Cairo, and are facing multiple drugs and firearms related offences:

• Martina Valentini, 37-year-old from Calgary;
• Emily High, 22-year-old from Calgary; and
• Ricardo Smith, 51-year-old from Calgary.

The meth seizures both rank as some of ALERT’s largest. In 2021-22, ALERT teams from across the province combined to seize 71.5 kilograms of meth, while seizing 38.2 kilograms the year prior.

Both investigations were short-term in nature and began as the result of criminal intelligence into Calgary area drug trafficking activity.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.