Police in Calgary say they’ve seized more than $13 million in cannabis and magic mushrooms, following an investigation into illicit online sales.
In a statement Tuesday, police say they received a tip in April about the illicit sale of pot and psilocybin products possibly out of a Calgary home.
Police believe suspects were selling through a website, www.thechronfather.ca, to buyers across Canada, and that the sellers had collected upwards of $11 million since January.
We’ve seized more than $13 million of cannabis and psilocybin following an investigation into the illicit sale of drugs online. In this case, the seller was operating outside of the regulated cannabis production channels, which put citizens, neighbours and buyers at risk. @BCRCMP pic.twitter.com/dHwejMLcJS
— Calgary Police (@CalgaryPolice) December 15, 2021
The investigation led to several properties in the neighbouring province of British Columbia that police identify as production, distribution and storage sites for the online operation.
On Dec. 7 and Dec. 8, officers from Alberta and B.C. police forces used five search warrants simultaneously at properties in Calgary, as well as in Kelowna and Beaverdell, B.C.
During the raid, police seized:
- about $13 million worth of cannabis, including roughly 2,636 kilograms of dried cannabis and plants, 7.2 kilograms of shatter and various amounts of oils and edibles;
- more than $85,000 worth of psilocybin, in both dried and gummy forms;
- $63,000 in cash;
- four rifles and various ammunition; and
- a Ford F350 “as proceeds of crime.”
Two people were arrested when the search warrants were used, and charges are pending.
The civil forfeiture office in Alberta has started proceedings against funds in a local bank account, while the civil forfeiture office in B.C. has also begun proceedings against “a number of assets” in the province, including four properties and several bank accounts.
Calgary Police Service’s Insp. Phil Hoetger says the website funded “illegal organized activities” and warned of the risk to the community.
“Additionally, without any regulatory oversight, there were no measures in place to ensure that these products were safe for consumption,” he continues in a statement.
Edmonton police have recently warned of the risks of buying cannabis from illicit online sellers.
Read more: Buying illicit cannabis online runs risks of identity theft, Edmonton police warn
Read more: Tests of illicit Ontario weed show high levels of pesticides, low THC, police say
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