More than $4.5 million dollars worth of drugs and $1 million in cash was seized as part of Project Carlos, as seven suspects from Calgary are charged. August 9, 2023. (Photo: ALERT)

By David Opinko

Arrests made in $4.5 million drug bust in Calgary

Aug 9, 2023 | 10:50 AM

CALGARY, AB – A total of seven people have been charged in connection to a multi-million dollar drug trafficking investigation in southern Alberta.

The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) said Project Carlos is a year-long investigation that saw arrests being made between July 31 and August 3, 2023. The suspects face a combined 33 charges including drug trafficking, money laundering, criminal conspiracy and organized crime-related offences.

ALERT reports that more than $4.5 million worth of drugs and nearly $1 million in cash was seized from homes across Calgary.

Acting Staff Sgt. Damien Pearson said, “The complexity of Project Carlos is reflected in the severity and breadth of charges being laid and holding this criminal organization accountable. A major source of drugs into Calgary was effectively dismantled and these arrests demonstrate our commitment to public safety.”

The seven people facing charges are:

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• Minh Hoang Nguyen, 43, of Calgary
• Joseph Nguyen, 29, of Calgary
• Hai Nguyen, 40, of Calgary
• Kim Lim, 37, of Calgary
• Courtney Dennis, 55, of Calgary
• Derek Wong, 28, of Calgary
• Marcos Tello, 28, of Calgary

Project Carlos was spearheaded by ALERT Calgary’s organized crime team but also saw involvement from agencies such as the Calgary Police Service, RCMP, and the Canada Border Services Agency.

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

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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