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Calgary… ALERT and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) have thwarted an attempt to import massive quantities of a MDMA precursor. Preliminary drug analysis suggests the chemicals seized could have produced $5 million worth of MDMA or ecstasy.
On January 21, 2022 CBSA intercepted two packages of a known MDMA precursor, which was destined for a Calgary address. The packages were being imported from China and totaled more than 53 kilograms.
On February 4, 2022 ALERT Calgary’s organized crime team executed a search warrant at the address of the intended recipient. At the Calgary home, in the Whitehorn neighbourhood, ALERT seized an additional 68 kilograms of MDMA precursors, accompanied by falsified importation documents.
“The only known application for these chemicals is to produce MDMA and ecstasy. This seizure prevented tens of thousands of doses, worth millions of dollars’, from flooding the province.”
Insp. Shawn Wallace, ALERT Calgary
The total amount of precursors chemicals seized was 121 kilograms. They are considered Class A precursors under Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Yoesph Tamerat Metyeke, 33, was charged with importation of a controlled substance and production of a controlled substance.
Additional charges are pending further analysis of the drugs seized.
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