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Calgary… A year-long investigation into a Calgary-based drug trafficking network has led to one of Alberta’s largest drug seizures. More than $4 million worth of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine was seized by ALERT.
Project Offshore was an investigation by ALERT Calgary’s organized crime and gang team that focused on a drug trafficking consortium operating in Calgary. The group was allegedly involved in wholesale drug distribution and money laundering that was provincial in scope.
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Project Offshore began in September 2016. A total of 11 homes were searched in Calgary during the course of the investigation and arrests took place in November 2017. To date, 11 suspects have been charged with more than 125 criminal offences.
“Project Offshore is proof that ALERT’s integrated approach works. We know enforcement is key to reducing the supply of drugs. I would like to commend all investigators and officers involved in this specific case. On behalf of all Albertans, thank you for your continued great work that helps keep our communities safe,” said Minister Kathleen Ganley, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General.
ALERT seized record amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine in this operation, with 15,757 fentanyl pills and 28 kilograms of methamphetamine taken off the street. The fentanyl seizure is the largest of its kind by ALERT, while the meth seizure nearly doubles the previous record for all of Alberta.
Previously, the largest meth seizure in the province was made at the Del Bonita border crossing in January 2016. A joint investigation between Canada Border Services Agency and ALERT seized 14.5 kilograms of meth concealed in a vehicle.
The street value of the drugs seized in Project Offshore surpasses $4 million. The seizure includes:
ALERT also seized $523,232 in cash proceeds of crime, two vehicles, and has restrained a million-dollar mansion located in north Calgary. The home belongs to Simon Yuen and was allegedly financed through a profitable drug trafficking operation.
Yuen was allegedly part of drug trafficking consortium that also included key figures Guan Chen, Chang Yong Yun, and Benham Fayaz. ALERT alleges the group facilitated drug distribution and supplied street-level drug dealers.
More than 120 charges related to drugs, firearms, proceeds of crime, and organized crime have been laid against 11 suspects:
Yuen, Mohamud and Jia Chen have not been located to date. Warrants have been issued for their arrest, and anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Project Offshore involved a number of partner agencies including the Calgary Police Service, RCMP, Lethbridge Police, Alberta Sheriffs, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), Seized Property Management Directorate, Canada Revenue Agency, and Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).
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. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
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