UPDATE: Charges laid in Project Carlos

Calgary… Seven people have now been charged in relation to a multi-million-dollar drug trafficking investigation that took place in Calgary.

Project Carlos is a year-long investigation that concluded with a series of arrests taking place between July 31- August 3, 2023. A total of 33 charges were laid with offences ranging from drug trafficking to money laundering, to criminal conspiracy, and organized crime-related offences.

ALERT first shared details of Project Carlos at a news conference on September 13, 2022.

Project Carlos resulted in the seizure of more than $4.5 million worth of drugs and nearly $1 million in cash after homes across the city of Calgary were searched in August 2022. The investigation was led by ALERT Calgary’s organized crime team, with support from the Calgary Police Service and RCMP.

“The complexity of Project Carlos is reflected in the severity and breadth of charges being laid and holding this criminal organization accountable. A major source of drugs into Calgary was effectively dismantled and these arrests demonstrate our commitment to public safety,” said Acting Staff Sergeant Damien Pearson.

The suspects are scheduled to appear in a Calgary courtroom on August 9, 2023:

• Minh Hoang Nguyen, 43-year-old from Calgary;
• Joseph Nguyen, 29-year-old from Calgary;
• Hai Nguyen, 40-year-old from Calgary;
• Kim Lim, 37-year-old from Calgary;
• Courtney Dennis, 55-year-old from Calgary;
• Derek Wong, 28-year-old from Calgary; and
• Marcos Tello, 28-year-old from Calgary.

Project Carlos relied on the assistance of a number of police agencies and specialized units, including: Calgary Police Service, Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), the RCMP.

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.