UPDATE: Project Cerberus dismantles transnational organized crime group

2025| Calgary

Calgary… Following an extensive two-year investigation, ALERT has dismantled a cross-border drug trafficking network and has made one of the largest drug seizures in Alberta history.

Project Cerberus was led by ALERT Calgary’s organized crime team, but also heavily involved the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Calgary Police Service, and various units within the RCMP.

Beginning in May 2023, the investigation uncovered an organized crime group that was involved in extensive cross-border drug trafficking between Canada and the United States, and had established ties to Mexican cartel(s).

Project Cerberus concluded in September 2025 when charges were laid against five suspects with offences related to organized crime, conspiracy, money laundering, and drug offences.

Project Cerberus led to the seizure of 157 kilograms of cocaine, which is ALERT’s largest cocaine seizure and one of the largest in the province. The cocaine, if sold on the street level, would have an estimated value of over $15 million. The cocaine tested at between 96-98% purity.

In addition to the record amount of cocaine seized, ALERT also seized:

15 firearms;
Nearly one million dollars in cash;
A fleet of seven vehicles equipped with hidden compartments used in drug smuggling operations;

ALERT alleges the crime group was involved in procuring cartel cocaine from Mexico. The cocaine was then being imported into Canada and transported across the country to various markets and other criminal organizations using a fleet of vehicles equipped with sophisticated hidden compartments.

In March 2024, a 61-kilogram shipment of cocaine was seized via the Manitoba Roving Traffic Unit near Richer, Man. The cocaine was concealed within a hidden compartment in the vehicle.

Then in October 2024, the DEA Houston Field Division seized 96 kilograms of cocaine at home in Houston, Texas. ALERT’s investigation identified the home as a possible stash location and a Canadian man was arrested.

Jack Kasjaniuk, 35-year-old from Edmonton, was charged with possession of drugs with the intent to distribute. Kasjaniuk had pled guilty, and on September 8, 2026, was handed a 135-month federal prison sentence by the Southern District of Texas Court.

Over the course of the investigation 15 search warrants across Canada took place with homes in Calgary, Edmonton, Spruce Grove, and Toronto area being searched.

Charges were laid in July 2025, after through consultation with Public Prosecution Services Canada. The accused represent high-ranking members of the organized crime group. Together, they face a total of 31 criminal charges:

Reza Muhammad, 26-year-old from Calgary;
Jordan Plamondon, 40-year-old from Spruce Grove;
Ji Hwan Kim, 34-year-old from Calgary;
Allan Leung, 33-year-old from Edmonton; and
James Morrissette, 33-year-old from Edmonton.

All of the suspects have been released from custody for their respective court appearances, taking place between September 26 and October 3, 2026 in Calgary.

Project Cerberus involved upwards of 450 investigators and civilian staff, representing the following agencies: Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, CFSEU-British Columbia, Greater Toronto Area CFSEU, Halton Regional Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Canada Border Services Agency, Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), DEA Vancouver Resident Office, DEA Houston Division, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program (HIDTA), Houston Police Department, Service Alberta, and various units within the RCMP including Federal Serious and Organized Crime, International Special Services, Integrated Border Enforcement Team, Kamloops, Manitoba Highway Patrol, B.C. Highway Patrol, Cochrane, Didsbury, Chestermere, Okotoks, Lloydminster, St. Albert, and Maidstone, Sask.

(From left to right, Supt. Matthew Baker with Calgary Police Service, Supt. Rob Gill with Edmonton Police Service, Special Agent David Owczarek with the DEA, Special Agent Leon Pauley with the DEA, Supt. Marc Cochlin with ALERT, S/Sgt. Matt Pumphrey with ALERT, Insp. Jeff Ringleberg with RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime, Insp. Gerry Francois with ALERT, Insp. Henry Tillo with RCMP Greater Toronto Area Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, and Det. Damien Pearson with ALERT.)

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.