Three people operating a downtown convenience store are facing numerous charges related to illegal tobacco sales, weapons trafficking along with the seizure of over $200,000 in cash after a lengthy investigation.
In early July 2024, EPS and Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) initiated an investigation into a convenience store in the area of 96 Street and 106 Avenue. As a result, EPS obtained a search warrant for the premises.
On Friday, July 19, 2024, members of EPS Healthy Streets Operations Centre (HSOC) executed a search warrant at this convenience store. HSOC came across controlled substances, drug paraphernalia and a large amount of cash.
Upon further investigation, police also recovered over $200,000 of cash and over 28,000 illegal cigarettes equaling more than $8,500 in tax avoidance. Additionally, police recovered weapons including expandable batons and a large machete, as well as controlled substances including fentanyl, crystal meth and cocaine with an estimated street value of nearly $35,000.
Cocaine and crystal meth seized at convenience store by HSOC
As a result, convenience store owners Bahabelom Baraki, 29, Biniam Gebremichael, 29, and Kokob Nguse, 26, were charged by police, including: tobacco trafficking, fraud over $5000, possession for the purpose of weapons trafficking, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of the purpose of trafficking (x6) and possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.
“We are seeing a disturbing trend with convenience stores openly selling drug paraphernalia, weapons and contraband tobacco and then dabbling into the sale of illicit drugs,” said Cst. Michael Davis with EPS’ Crime Suppression Branch. “This is turning convenience stores into a one-stop-shop for drug abusers and traffickers. It’s threatening the safety of Chinatown and is tarnishing its cultural identity and vibrancy in Edmonton.”
Anyone with any information about this or any other crime is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.
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