Calgary drugs and firearms seizure results in six charged

Six firearms were seized alongside more than $300,000 in drugs following an ALERT investigation in Calgary. A total of 46 charges have been laid against five individuals.

On June 5, 2024 ALERT executed a search warrant at a home located in Harvest Hills, as well as two vehicles. Through the investigation, a second home, located in the southwest neighbourhood of Creekstone, as well as two storage lockers were identified and subsequently searched on June 13, 2024.

The value of the drugs and cash seized is estimated at $370,000, and include:

• 1,285 grams of cocaine;
• 5,204 grams of suspected cocaine buffing agents;
• 2,361 grams of methamphetamine;
• 511 grams of fentanyl;
• 63 opioid pills; and
• $40,260 cash.

ALERT also seized six firearms, two of which had their serial numbers defaced and one contained 3D-printed components. None of the firearms were lawfully possessed and are currently with ballistics identification to determine if they were used in any other criminal offences.

“Guns and drugs are a huge community issue, not only in Calgary and Edmonton but throughout the entire province. Drug dealers are generally armed, creating violent encounters and those encounters can happen anytime of day or night, which significantly increases the risk for public safety,” said Insp. Matthew Baker, ALERT Calgary.

Juan Ruiz Durango fled from the police at the time of the search warrant executions and was arrested on July 9, 2024. The 27-year-old of Calgary is charged with 30 criminal offences relating to drugs and firearms. Durango is bound by a lifetime firearms prohibition stemming from previous firearms-related charges. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on July 17, 2024.

The following individuals also face charges in relation to the investigation:

Kushvet Aguiar Feo, 29, of Calgary;
Lizeth Valeria Rivera Lora, 24, of Calgary;
Shataya McClelland, 24, of Calgary; and
Michaela Forbes, 26, of Airdrie.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.