Ten people have been charged and Edmonton police are looking to lay more charges after busting a ring distributing stolen alcohol and other illegal goods.
Investigators have seized $130,000 worth of alcohol since an investigation began in late 2020 into an increase in alcohol thefts.
The Edmonton Police Service says it has uncovered a large market for stolen alcohol and a distribution network that supplies the product to legitimate businesses such as liquor stores and restaurants.
“This investigation began with two prolific suspects identified who were … responsible for the theft of approximately $50,000 worth of alcohol. We followed the evidence and it showed that there was [sic] multiple levels where it would get to the highest level of distribution and then back into legitimate businesses,” Staff Sergeant David Graham told reporters Tuesday.
“We believe they knew they were buying stolen alcohol.
According to Graham, three business owners have been charged so far and police are working with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis to identify the others. They could see their license revoked, an AGLC spokesman said.
40 charges were brought against:
- Stephen Daruge, 39;
- Julien Roussel, 65;
- James Cermak, 41;
- Kara Yaremchuk, 34;
- Michael Gennaro, 51;
- John Burgh, 67;
- Harkamal Singh Kalon, 45;
- James Burns, 42;
- Thomas Areekadan, 57; and
- Raj Soni Jalarajan, 46.
In addition, police allege illegal drugs and unbranded cigarettes were trafficked.
During search warrants at “multiple residences and businesses throughout the city,” police seized the alcohol, as well as 350,000 unbranded cigarettes worth about $35,000, $73,000 in fentanyl pills, $185,000 in cocaine and Xanax pills worth $5,400.
“In and of itself, stealing alcohol may not be worthless, but it’s just one commodity that these criminal networks use,” Graham said.
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Joe Scarpelli
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