An investigation that started in October 2020, has led to multiple arrests and upcoming court dates this month for six people as well as a warrant issued for the arrest of another, and combined, the seven face 70 charges.
The Saskatchewan RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit (FSOC) based in Regina began investigating what they describe as a sophisticated crime group that was distributing large quantities of drugs to communities in Alberta and Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan communities affected included Regina, Saskatoon and Moose Jaw as well as a number of smaller communities like Assiniboia, Marquis, Mossbank, Caronport, Hudson Bay, Limerick, Craven and Lloydminster.
As part of the investigation, over 7,000 dedicated hours of surveillance were conducted in Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan and over sixty judicial authorizations were executed. In addition a laundry list of drugs were seized: 397.5 grams of cocaine and 2.97 kilograms of methamphetamine near Chamberlain, 452.7 grams of cocaine in Fort McMurray, 1,540 grams of Meclonazepam (approximately 5,000 fake Xanax pills) in Edmonton. A subsequent search warrant executed at another location in Edmonton led to an additional 7,662.21 grams of Meclonazepam (approximately 25,000 fake Xanax pills), 40.01 grams of cocaine, 659.49 grams of psilocybin (mushrooms), 39.54 grams of MDMA and $123,652 in Canadian currency.
Those in court on June 21st in Regina include: Travis Ferko, Cody Klemola, Jennifer Tabunar, and Joel Gladue – all of Edmonton, AB in addition to Matteo Cimino of St. Albert and Cong Su of Vaughn, Ontario. Police continue to look for 48-year-old-Michael Bagan of Edmonton, AB in relation to this ongoing investigation. The latest description that police have of Bagan is as follows: he is 6’1″ tall, approximately 216 lbs, with blue eyes and brown hair. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.
Inspector Andrew Farquhar of the RCMP’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime Unit in Regina says, “The negative impact this group had on people in Saskatchewan and Alberta is immeasurable. These types of groups profit by poisoning our people and our communities – both in big cities and small towns. We’re really pleased to have taken these harmful substances out of our communities.”
The complexity and scope of this investigation required assistance from several Federal, Provincial and Municipal law enforcement agencies across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Assisting agencies included the Regina Integrated Intelligence Unit, Saskatoon FSOC, Saskatchewan RCMP Crime Analysis Section, Regina Police Service, Moose Jaw Police Service, Moose Jaw RCMP, Lumsden RCMP, Weyburn Police Service, Estevan RCMP, Assiniboia RCMP, Edmonton FSOC, Strathcona County RCMP, Edmonton Integrated Border Enforcement Team, Edmonton Police Service Gang Suppression.
