Skip to main content

Convenience store owners accused of trafficking weapons, selling illegal products

Edmonton police found illegal cigarettes, illegal drugs, and weapons at a convenience store at 96 Street and 106 Avenue in Edmonton in July 2024. (Source: Edmonton Police Service) Edmonton police found illegal cigarettes, illegal drugs, and weapons at a convenience store at 96 Street and 106 Avenue in Edmonton in July 2024. (Source: Edmonton Police Service)
Share

A central Edmonton convenience store has been selling illegal tobacco and trafficking weapons, police allege.

Edmonton Police Service did not name the store when announcing charges against its two owners on Wednesday, but said it is located at 96 Street and 106 Avenue.

EPS and Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) began investigating the store in early July and executed a search warrant on July 19.

Investigators found 28,000 illegal cigarettes equalling more than $8,500 in tax avoidance, weapons such as expandable batons and a large machete, $200,000 in cash, and controlled substances worth $35,000, including fentanyl, crystal meth and cocaine.

The owners face a number of weapons and trafficking charges.

“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,” commented Cst. Michael Davis with EPS’ Crime Suppression Branch in a news release.

“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.” 

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

The iPhone 16, new AirPods and other highlights from Apple's product showcase

Apple squarely shifted its focus toward artificial intelligence with the unveiling of its hotly anticipated iPhone 16 along with a slew of new features coming with the next update to the device’s operating system. While the new phone lineup headlined Monday's showcase, the tech giant also shared updates to its smartwatch and AirPod lineups.

Gaudreau brothers are mourned by the hockey community, family and friends as 'linemates forever'

She eulogized John Gaudreau through tears that would not be held back, her stories punctuated by sniffles, even an occasional laugh about falling in love with a young man with a mohawk, and the immeasurable heartbreak over a life that ended “way too soon.” Meredith Gaudreau had more to share about her husband than tales of his modest start on ice and rise to NHL stardom — their family of four was soon to become five; she recently revealed to John he would be a father again.

Stay Connected