Vancouver man charged for alleged drug trafficking in Calgary
Posted November 1, 2022 11:31 am.
Last Updated November 1, 2022 11:40 am.
A Vancouver man, who police believe was a go-between for drug trafficking from B.C. to Alberta, was arrested in Calgary last week.
Officers say a months-long investigation between police in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat began in early August, after investigators noticed a man “who was participating in activity consistent with drug trafficking” in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Calgary, and Edmonton.
When police searched a home and vehicle near the intersection of 9 Avenue SE and 3 Street SE in the community of East Village on Oct. 25, they found more than 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl, worth about $386,000, and nearly $2,000 cash.
“We know drug traffickers are not bound by the same jurisdictional boundaries that we are, which is why it is critically important that police agencies across the province work together to identify and stop the importation and distribution of drugs that are killing hundreds of people a year,” said CPS Staff-Sgt. Kurt Jacobs.
“This may only be one individual who was in a possession of a moderate amount of drugs when we took him into custody, but drug traffickers should take note – we are working together and we will put a stop to drug trafficking in our communities, one person at a time. We extend our gratitude and thanks to our policing partners who assisted in this investigation.”
Twenty-seven-year-old Rivan Ari is facing charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5,000.
He was released and is set to appear in court on Wednesday, Nov. 9.
