4 billed for human trafficking
Photo: RCMP
Cash received during one of Mounties in Kelowna. complex federal drug trafficking case was seized
A lengthy and complex investigation led by state RCMP officials based in Kelowna resulted in drug trafficking and conspiracy charges against four men.
Federal RCMP investigators into serious and organized crime carried out numerous search warrants across the Lower Mainland in March 2018 in connection with a “high-level MDMA (ecstacy) investigation and cocaine import investigation”.
The search warrants stolen 12 kilograms of MDMA and $ 380,000 in cash. The money was reportedly to be used as a down payment for 18 kilograms of cocaine to be imported into Canada.
More than 200 investigators, several RCMP units and US partner law enforcement agencies were involved.
“This investigation is a great example of the work our members are doing to stem the flow of illicit drugs at home and abroad,” said Supt. Richard Bergevin, BC RCMP federal officer in charge of serious and organized crime.
Lower mainland residents Martino Calabretti, Daniel Alexander and Zlatko Gavric are charged with conspiracy to import cocaine. Calabretti and Vincenzo Sansalone are also charged with trafficking in MDMA and MDA (synthetic amphetamine).
Calabretti is faced with two other cases of MDMA trafficking. All four men are due to appear in court on Tuesday.
