Police seize 10 kg of meth after sting at northeast mall parking lot

Calgary police say an investigation that started three months ago has ended with officers seizing 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and 2.4 kilograms of cocaine.

In October, members of the Calgary Police Service's gang enforcement teambegan watching two vehicles and two residences that they suspected were linked to a drug trafficking operation, police said in a release.

On Dec. 4, two men were seen exchanging items in a parking lot at Sunridge Mall. They were arrested and their vehicles were seized.

Police later obtained search warrants for the vehicles and two Calgary homes, which they said turned up:

• 10 kilograms of methamphetamine.
• 2.4 kilograms of cocaine.
• 504.8 grams of fentanyl.
• 42.3 kilograms of phancetin.
• $75,405 in cash.
• Drug packaging equipment and several cellphones.

"This volume of methamphetamine flowing into and through our city is a substantial public and officer safety issue. Fentanyl is a significant public health crisis, but meth is truly a crime and safety issue," said Staff Sgt. Kyle Grant.

"Our intel and data suggests methamphetamine use is on the rise. A longer high, cheaper price and an increase in availability gives meth a significant draw for individuals with a substance use disorder.

He said officials believe meth is driving much of the crime Calgary, from property offences to violence on the streets.

Domenico Luca Loiacono, 27, is charged with two counts of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, and one count of possession of property obtained by crime.

Richie Danesh Ramudit, 26, is charged with four counts of possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime.

Investigators believe the suspects were connected with an earlier drug seizure in Medicine Hat.

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