Seven Charged in On-Going Drug Trafficking Investigation

Calgary… Seven Calgary residents are facing a total of 56 drug-related charges as part of an ALERT investigation into street-level drug sales.

ALERT Calgary’s organized crime and gang team made the arrests following the execution of three search warrants, which took place August 24 and 30, 2016. ALERT is an integrated team consisting of Calgary Police Service and RCMP members and is funded by the Alberta Government.

ALERT’s investigation targeted street-level drug sales in the city with quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine being seized. ALERT believes these individuals are part of a larger criminal organization and more charges and arrests are expected in the coming weeks.

“Arrests like this send a message of ALERT’s commitment to tackling all levels of organized crime and making the Calgary community safer. We are going to continue work with our partners to pursue the larger elements of this suspected criminal network,” said Insp. Cal Wiltshire.

The following items were seized, and the cash and vehicles are being referred to civil forfeiture:

• 72 grams of cocaine;
• 84 grams of methamphetamine;
• 44 vials of suspected GHB;
• Various rounds of ammunition;
• $10,000 cash proceeds of crime;
• 3 vehicles.

A total of 56 charges have been laid against seven people. The charges include drug trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, and breach prohibition.

• Spencer Allan-Elliott, 26;
• Antonio Chavez, 23;
• Larissa Cowan, 25;
• Corey DeBakker, 19;
• Jason Hamilton, 40;
• Jerrod Kennedy, 32;
• Andrew McGuire, 41.

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.