Handguns seized from suspected Fort McMurray drug dealer

Fort McMurray… Three handguns have been seized from a suspected drug dealer in Fort McMurray with ALERT also seizing a significant amount of cocaine.

The arrest took place on April 8, 2022 with ALERT Fort McMurray’s organized crime receiving help from Wood Buffalo RCMP. The suspect was arrested at a downtown business, where a loaded handgun was located tucked inside his waistband.

Of the three handguns seized, all were loaded and two had their serial numbers removed. The 36-year-old suspect, Zafar Ismail Mohammed, is bound by a lifetime firearms prohibition order stemming from a previous investigation in British Columbia.

“The combination of drugs and handguns demonstrates a pretty reckless regard for public safety. ALERT is relieved to have these guns off the street and put another drug dealer in custody,” said Staff Sergeant Ryan Harrison, ALERT Fort McMurray.

ALERT seized 338 grams of cocaine and $10,000 from the suspect’s apartment in the Eagle Ridge neighbourhood. ALERT began its investigation in January 2022 after receiving information about suspected drug trafficking activity.

Mohammed is charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, resisting arrest, and multiple firearms-related charges.

Meanwhile, a second suspect was implicated for drug-related offences. Kori Turple, a 24-year-old woman, is charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and possession of a prohibited weapon.