The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) dismantled a major booze and drug network which was allegedly selling stolen liquor to legitimate local businesses such as restaurants, bars and other liquor stores.To date, the EPS has charged 10 people in relation to the case. Steven Dahrouge, 39Julien Roussel, 65James Cermak, 41Cara Yaremchuk, 34Michael Gennaro, 51John Berg, 67Harkamal Singh Kahlon, 45James Burns, 42,Thomas Areekadan, 57Raj Sony Jalarajan, 46."In late 2020, the EPS Focused Intervention & Apprehension Team (FIAT) initiated an investigation in response to the growing trend of liquor theft," Media Relations Officer Carolin Maran said."During the investigation, a large market for stolen liquor was uncovered, along with a coordinated distribution network that was supplying the liquor to legitimate local businesses."It is unclear what the names of those businesses are. However, Maran told the Western Standard in an email, "The liquor was stolen from stores in Edmonton and surrounding areas."The distribution network was (allegedly) selling the liquor to legitimate local businesses such as restaurants, bars and other liquor stores. We unfortunately can’t provide business names at this time."Alongside the liquor theft, the EPS also determined the individuals involved were trafficking illegal drugs and unmarked cigarettes and were in the possession of stolen property."Over the course of several months, search warrants were executed at multiple residences and businesses across the city," Maran said.This resulted in the seizure of:Approximately $130,000 of liquor350,000 unmarked cigarettes (approximate value of $35,000)730 fentanyl pills (approximate street value of $73,000)1.49 kg of cocaine (approximate street value of $185,000)270 Xanax pills (approximate street value of $5,400)The EPS said the 10 people arrested and charged are "business owners and those involved with the distribution network."They are facing a combined total of 40 charges, including conspire to possess property obtained from crime for the purpose of trafficking over $5,000, traffic in a controlled substance, conspire to sell/distribute unstamped tobacco products, attempt to possess property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking over $5,000, and possession for the purpose of trafficking.The EPS are also looking to arrest and charge four additional individuals in relation to the bust. "We will provide the names and ages of the four additional suspects when they are apprehended and their charges have been sworn," Maran said.
