One charged after police seize 12 kilograms in cocaine, nearly $300,000 cash

One charged after police seize 12 kilograms in cocaine, nearly $300,000 cash

March 5, 2013

Calgary…One man faces drug-related charges after police seized 12 kilograms of cocaine, with a street value of over $1 million, and approximately $291,000 cash from a Calgary residence.

The Calgary Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-Calgary) is an integrated team made up of Calgary Police Service (CPS) and RCMP members. With assistance from CPS, the team executed a search warrant in late February at an apartment on Varsity Drive Northwest where they found the cocaine and cash.

“A significant seizure like this one undoubtedly has a positive impact on community safety,” said CFSEU-Calgary Inspector Gerry Francois. “That being said, our focus is on dismantling organized crime groups in their entirety in order to have a long-term impact and, therefore, our investigation is ongoing.”

Michael BANNER, a 31-year-old Calgary resident, is charged with two counts each of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime. The accused was released on bail and must meet numerous conditions. His next court appearance is on March 20.

This investigation is ongoing and no further information can be released at this time. To report suspicious activity in your community, contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

CFSEU-Calgary is an ALERT team established and funded by the Government of Alberta to bring together the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources to tackle serious and organized crime. Over 400 municipal police, RCMP and sheriffs work for ALERT.

-30-

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Jill Baird
Communications
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3028