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Edmonton… A loaded handgun, with its serial number removed, was seized alongside an assortment of drugs in a recent ALERT investigation that took place in Edmonton.
ALERT Edmonton’s organized crime and gang team made the search and seizure on Wednesday, Oct. 4, with the help of the Edmonton Police Service. Four homes were searched and three men were arrested.
In total, the four search sites yielded:
The Ruger 9mm handgun will be the subject of forensic examination and ballistics testing to determine if it was used in any other crimes.
One of the homes, located in the northwest neighbourhood of Hudson, was being used to convert powder cocaine into crack. Production of a controlled substance is among the 15 charges laid against three suspects.
Besmellah Bakhshi, 24, is charged with trafficking (x4), possession for the purpose of trafficking, production, possession of proceeds of crime, and possession of a prohibited firearm.
Dion Waddell, 25, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, production, and possession of proceeds of crime.
Asslan El Hassani, 27, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, production, and possession of proceeds of crime.
ALERT’s investigation dates back to August 2017 when information was received about suspected drug trafficking in the area.
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. Members of Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT.
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Notice to Media: Photos of the handgun seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2
The work we do is about our communities, and that’s why we recognize that residents can be instrumental in tackling serious crime. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, or you suspect criminal activity, please reach out. Your information will remain strictly confidential.
Thank you for helping to make Alberta safer by being actively involved and reporting suspicious activity.
