Date: Tue Nov 3 11:33:46 2009 Subject: PA/MRU #09-541 DRUG AND WEAPONS SEIZURES From: Nichole Stewart -----BEGIN MD5 ----------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- CITYBEAT - CITY OF CALGARY PRESS RELEASE ----------------------------------------------------------------- As part of the Calgary Police Service’s ongoing efforts to combat the drug trade in District 4 and throughout the city, members of the District 4 Special Duties Team have concluded three investigations into drug trafficking. On Friday, Oct. 20, 2009, members of the District 4 Special Duties Team concluded a two-week investigation into the drug trafficking of cocaine in Districts 4 and 7. During the investigation two men were seen in vehicles conducting what appeared to be a drug transaction. Both were arrested during separate traffic stops. Two Controlled Drug and Substances Act (CDSA) warrants were executed - one on a residence located in the 0-100 block of Covemeadow Rd. N.E., and the other on a residence in the 300 -400 block of 40 St. N.E. A general warrant was also conducted on a dark green, two -door, 1992 Honda Accord. As a result, several items were seized, including 617.5 grams of crack cocaine (approximate street value of $61,750), 379.3 grams of cocaine (approximate street value of $37,930), 389.2 grams of an unknown white substance, cocaine conversion lab equipment, $15,165 cash and a collapsible baton. Two men have been charged with 13 CDSA and Criminal Code offences as a result of this investigation. Minh Ky HUYNH, 27, of Calgary, was charged with five counts of possession of cocaine/crack for the purpose, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and one count of production/manufacturing cocaine. Thanh Thang LE, 29, of Calgary, was charged with two counts of possession of cocaine/crack for the purpose, one count of possession of property obtained by crime, one count of possession of weapon or imitation for a dangerous purpose, and possession of prohibited weapon/prohibited device. Another two-week investigation into the trafficking of cocaine concluded on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, after a search warrant was executed at a home in the 0-100 block of Erin Gove Court S.E. As a result of the investigation, police charged four people with a total of 169 offences, and seized drugs, cash, guns and other weapons. Police seized 68.4 grams of crack cocaine, with a street value of approximately $6,800, as well as various quantities of ecstasy, morphine, marijuana, Oxycontin, Oxycodone, Zopiclone, Temazepam, Lomotil, Lorazepam, codeine and amphetamine. The seized drugs had a total street value of approximately $9,000. Police also located a 12-guage, sawed-off shotgun with ammunition and a Colt 45 Revolver. Inside a locked steel storage container within the home, police found a .22 calibre rifle, a .25-06 calibre rifle and a .303 calibre rifle. Each of the three long rifles had ammunition with them, or stored within easy access. An assortment of knives, meat cleavers, hammers, bear spray and a non-functioning crossbow were also found in the home. A total of $515 in Canadian currency was also seized from the residence, along with scales, packaging, cell phones, and four laptops. Darren James MELLETT, 45, John Anthony POMPEO, 29, Michael Joseph POMPEO, 25 and Megan Brye BOYER, 20, all of Calgary, were each charged with 13 counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, one count of possession of property obtained by crime, three counts of possession of stolen property (under), two counts of contravention of the firearms act, 13 counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, five counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a restricted/prohibited weapon with ammunition and two counts of possession of a restricted/prohibited weapon. Darren MELLETT was also charged with seven counts of possession of a weapon contrary to a prohibition order. John POMPEO was also charged with two breaches of conditions. As part of a separate investigation, on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2009 two men were seen driving in a 2003 BMW X5 and conducting what appeared to be several drug transactions in the city’s northeast. The vehicle was also seen driving erratically and at high rates of speed. After observing the vehicle, officers approached the two men after they had parked and exited. One of the men attempted to flee on foot, however was caught and subsequently arrested. As a result, a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant was conducted on a residence located in the 0-100 block of Whiteland Bay N.E. Items seized as a result of this investigation include a Samurai sword and sheath, a paintball rifle, a 6” knife, three .40 calibre handgun rounds, three cell phones, bank books with credits of over $200,000, $108,985 cash, and 16.9 grams of crack cocaine. Thanh Andrew MAI, (also known as Andrew or Charlie) 20, of Calgary, was charged with dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and three counts of being unlawfully at large, possession of cocaine/crack for purpose, possession of weapon or imitation for a dangerous purpose and possession of property obtained by crime. Kevin Thanh MAI, 21, of Calgary was charged with possession of cocaine/crack for purpose, two counts of possession of weapon or imitation for a dangerous purpose and possession of property obtained by crime. Sameh KHALIL, 22, of Calgary was charged with possession of property obtained by crime and possession of cocaine/crack for purpose. The Calgary Police Service is dedicated to combating crime in our city by implementing strategies that address priorities identified at the district level, as well as citywide. These priorities are determined by reported crime, identified issues/concerns of residents and from information gathered from previous investigations. It is important to report crime or suspicious activity in your neighbourhood by calling 403-266-1234. Call 9-1-1 for a crime in progress. Reporting crime allows police to deploy the appropriate resources in your community. -30- Public Email Contact: cps@calgarypolice.ca -----END MD5 5a4ed6ffe15404a57e268566f3c44182-----