$160,000 worth of contraband seized in continued investigation

 On Tuesday, May 17th 2022, members of the Maskwacis General Investigation Section (GIS) executed six search warrants associated to illegal trafficking of substances and seized $160,000 worth of illegal contraband. As the investigation was still ongoing, Maskwacis GIS identified other persons associated to the same illegal trafficking group. On Wednesday, May 25th 2022, Maskwacis GIS with assistance from the Edmonton Police Service Tactical Team, and Police Dog Services (PDS) executed a search warrant at a residence and on a vehicle located in the City of Edmonton. 

During the executions, police seized the following:

• Approximately 1.6 kilograms of cocaine;
• Approximately 740 grams of unknown substances believed to be buffing agent;
• Items used to produce crack-cocaine;
• $16,560 in cash;
• Approximately 13 lbs of illegal cannabis; and
• 5,400 illegal cigarettes.

“We will continue to address our communities concerns of drug trafficking within Maskwacis. This is one of many ongoing investigations where our officers are targeting those who continue to bring drugs onto the Nations”, said Insp. Leanne MacMillan, Officer in Charge of the Maskwacis Detachment.  “Our detachment will continue to work hard to target those who have chosen a life of criminal enterprise that negatively affects the people of Maskwacis.”

The seizures from May 17, 2022 and May 25, 2022 have a combined value of approximately $400,000.

Shimal Saad, a 33-year-old male from the City Edmonton was charged with the following:

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• Possession of an item to produce a controlled substance, contrary to section 7.1 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• Possession of unstamped tobacco for the purpose of sale, contrary to section 121.1 of the Criminal Code;
• Possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, contrary to section 355(a) of the Criminal Code;
• Possession of cannabis for the purpose of distribution, contrary to section 9(2) of the Cannabis Act;
• Possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling, contrary to section 10(2) of the Cannabis Act;
• Possession of unstamped tobacco product, contrary to section 32(1) of the Excise Act, 2001;
• Fraud, contrary to section 380 of the Criminal Code (x4); and
• Possession of cannabis, contrary to Section 90.08(1) of the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act.

Saad was released following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in Edmonton Provincial Court at 8:30 a.m., on court in Edmonton on Thursday, June 9th 2022.