Dozens of charges laid in drug trafficking investigation

Eight people are facing over 90 criminal charges following an investigation into a drug trafficking operation that also uncovered information about several break and enters where ATMs were stolen.

An investigation into possible drug offences began in March and the suspects were found in vehicles that police believe were fraudulently purchased and then given new vehicle identification numbers.

Police also located several other stolen vehicles that they think are connected to the suspects and their associates.

At the end of April, investigators uncovered evidence that linked the suspects to a number of break and enters where ATMs were stolen and then found out that they were planning to steal another ATM on May 1.

Police caught the suspects breaking into a stand-alone ATM vestibule at 51 Hunterhorn Drive NE and they were later apprehended in the 3000 block of Dover Ridge Drive SE and taken into custody.

During the investigation police recovered:

Eight people are now facing a total of 90 criminal charges.

David Dwight Hearn, 33, of Calgary, is charged with 14 counts of possession of proceeds of crime, six counts of driving while disqualified, one count each of theft of a motor vehicle,  break and enter, and removing or altering a vehicle identification number.

Kiel Anthony Mitschke, 28, of Calgary, is charged with four counts break and enter, four counts of violating a court order and one count of possession of proceeds of crime.

Omar El Gad, 19, of Calgary, is charged with one count each of break and enter, and possession break-in instruments.

Jean Paul Boutin, 36, of Calgary is charged with two counts of possession of proceeds of crime, three counts of drug offences and one count of violating a court order. He was also arrested for an unrelated outstanding warrant.

Dakota Sharri Wheeler, 21, of Calgary, is charged with two counts of possession of proceeds of crime. She was also arrested for an unrelated outstanding warrant.

Ronald Leon Abraham, 35, of Calgary, is charged with eight counts of firearms offences, four counts of violating a court order, six counts of drug offences and four counts of possession of proceeds of crime.

John Abraham, Young, 33, of Calgary, is charged with four counts of possession of proceeds of crime, eight counts of firearms offences, six counts of violating a court order, and one count each of aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.

John Gordon Gallagher, 36, of Calgary, is charged with two counts of possession of proceeds of crime, and one count each of possession of break-in instruments and violating a court order.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and more charges are pending.

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234. Tips can also be left anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers using any of the following methods:

TALK: 1-800-222-8477

TYPE: www.calgarycrimestoppers.org

TEXT: tttTIPS to 274637