Charges Laid in Drug Trafficking Operations Following Overdose Deaths

Calgary Police Service (CPS) have charged three men with 49 offences as part of a separate drug trafficking investigations connected to two fatal overdoses dating back to 2022 and 2023.

According to a statement by the police, “in August 2022, a man was found deceased in his residence, resulting from a drug overdose. Our officers began an extensive investigation into an individual believed to be responsible for selling the drugs to the victim, and in March 2024, had collected enough evidence to lay charges.”

“On Tuesday, March 12, 2024, two men were arrested and charged with drug trafficking, and following a search of the suspect’s vehicle, approximately 84 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 32 grams of fentanyl were seized.”

Following investigations, police have charged Ross Michael Darr, 32, of Calgary with three counts of trafficking, three counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Also, Brandon Howat, 38, of Calgary, was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Darr will next appear in court on Friday June 28, 2024. Meanwhile, Howatt has appeared in court on Monday, June 24, 2024.

In October 2023, police found another man deceased after overdosing in his residence, and officers launched an investigation. “From January 2024 to May 2024, our officers investigated a man believed to be drug trafficking and collected evidence that led them to a home located in the northeast community of Skyview Ranch”, said Police.

CPS says on Thursday, May9, 2024, a search warrant was executed in the 0 to 100 block of Skyview Ranch Landing N.E. During the search, police seized about 10 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 43 grams of cocaine, 18 hydrocodone pills, 414 oxycodone pills, 20 grams of MDMA, $5,050 in Canadian currency, .22 M15 rifle, ammunition, cell phones, scales and other items consistent with drug trafficking activity.

Karanbir Singh Khaira, 26, of Calgary is charged with 16 counts of trafficking a controlled substance, 16 counts of possession of property obtained by crime, four counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, careless storage of a firearm, possession of an unauthorized firearm, and possession of a loaded firearm while restricted.

Khaira appeared in court on Monday, June 24, 2024.

“There is no such thing as a safe street drug, and every time people consume illegal narcotics, they are taking a chance with their life.” says Calgary Police Service Inspector Jeff Pennoyer. “In 2023, there were 571 people who lost their lives due to drug overdoses in our city, and each of those deaths has the potential to result in drug traffickers being charged.”

He added, “We are willing to use every resource available to ensure those involved will be held accountable for their actions.” Police is asking anyone with information about these incidents or drug trafficking to call 403-266-1234.

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