In March of 2018, EDGE Section initiated an investigation into suspected drug trafficking activities of an Edmonton man. Throughout the investigation, three other suspects and four addresses were also identified as being part of the operation. On September 20, EDGE members concluded the investigation and executed search warrants at two addresses in Windermere, one address in MacEwan, one address in the Davies Industrial area and one vehicle.
Various drugs were seized during the execution of the search warrants, including 3,783 pills believed to be an analog of fentanyl disguised as Xanax pills.
“Police continue to find fentanyl and its analogs in various forms, including illicit pills designed to look like prescription medication,” says Staff Sgt. Pierre Blais, with EPS EDGE Section. “People who use street drugs must understand that they may not be ingesting what they think they are, which could lead to serious harm or even death.”
Drugs seized, including fentanyl analog disguised as Xanax (four bags at centre)
Fentanyl analog disguised as Xanax
The following persons have been charged:
Angelino Angeles, 25, is charged with:
Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x8)
Simple possession of a controlled substance (x2)
Possession of the proceeds of crime under $5,000
Gezelle Mendoza, 26, Chiiming Diep, 24, and Vernon Schwehr, 27, are all charged with:
Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking (x3)
Chiiming Diep is additionally charged with:
Simple possession of a controlled substance (x2)
Possession of the proceeds of crime over $5,000
Total drugs seized from the warrants:
3,783 pills believed to be an analog of fentanyl disguised as Xanax pills (approximate street value of $151,320)
915 g of Ketamine (approximate street value of $29,250)
355g MDMA (approximate street value of $20,000)
201g Cocaine ( approximate street value of $12,000)
375g Phenacetin (approximate street value of $1,000)
Drug packaging and paraphernalia
Total cash seized from the warrants:
$12,600 – Canadian currency