Drugs and Handgun Seized in Calgary Investigation

Calgary…A Walther P22 handgun with its serial number defaced was seized alongside nearly a kilogram of cocaine and methamphetamine following an ALERT investigation in Calgary.

Franz Cabrera, 21, and Alexsandra Poovong, 22, were arrested on November 12 after a traffic stop was initiated by ALERT Calgary. ALERT is an integrated team consisting of Calgary Police Service, RCMP, and Alberta Sheriffs members.

Following the pair’s arrest search warrants were conducted at a Killarney apartment and home in the Woodbine area.

ALERT seized an estimated $213,300 worth of drugs, in addition to the following items:

• Walther P22 handgun with serial number defaced;
• 882 grams of cocaine;
• 834 grams of methamphetamine;
• Packaging materials, digital scales, score sheets, cocaine press;
• $3,940 cash proceeds of crime.

The handgun has been submitted for forensic analysis to determine if it is linked to any crimes. In the past six months, ALERT has seized 83 firearms from across the province related to organized crime and gang enforcement initiatives.

Cabrera and Poovong have been jointly charged with:

• Possession of a restricted weapon with ammunition;
• Possession of a restricted firearms while in a vehicle;
• Unauthorized possession of a firearm;
• Defacing a serial number on a firearm;
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking (x 2);
• Possession of proceeds of crime.

In addition, Cabrera faces five charges of breach of recognizance. At the time of his arrest, Cabrera was awaiting trial on a charge of second-degree murder for his alleged role in a November 2013 homicide.

The investigation began in October after ALERT received information concerning suspected drug activity. Anyone with information about drug or gang activity in their neighbourhood is encouraged to call police, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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 Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.

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