10 charged in connection to stolen liquor distribution network in Edmonton

Ten people have been charged and Edmonton police are looking to charge more after busting a network that distributed stolen liquor and other illegal items.

Investigators have seized $130,000 in alcohol since opening an investigation in late 2020 into an increase in liquor thefts.

Edmonton Police Service says it uncovered a large market for stolen liquor and a distribution network that supplied the product to legitimate businesses like liquor stores and restaurants.

"This investigation started with two identified prolific suspects that were… responsible for about $50,000 worth of liquor thefts. We followed the evidence through and it showed that there was [sic] multiple layers where it would go right up to the top level of distribution and then back into legitimate businesses," Staff Sgt. David Graham told reporters on Tuesday.

"We believe that they knew they were buying stolen liquor."

According to Graham, three business owners have been charged so far and police are working with Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis to identify others. They could see their licence revoked, an AGLC spokesperson said.

Forty charges were laid against:

• Steven Dahrouge, 39;
• Julien Roussel, 65;
• James Cermak, 41;
• Cara Yaremchuk, 34;
• Michael Gennaro, 51;
• John Berg, 67;
• Harkamal Singh Kahlon, 45;
• James Burns, 42;
• Thomas Areekadan, 57; and
• Raj Sony Jalarajan, 46.

As well, police allege illegal drugs and unmarked cigarettes were being trafficked.

During search warrants at "multiple residences and businesses across the city," police seized the liquor as well as 350,000 unmarked cigarettes worth about $35,000, $73,000 in fentanyl pills, $185,000 in cocaine, and Xanax pills worth $5,400.

"Liquor theft in itself, maybe that doesn't strike a cord, but this is just one commodity that these criminal networks use," Graham said.

Liquor thefts reported to Edmonton police, 2016-22

2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021
928	1,333	3,306	9,594	5,377	3,207

With files from CTV News Edmonton's Joe Scarpelli