Four men charged in connection with fatal shootings, drug activity

Growing crime rate A recent bust is barely putting a dent in a growing crime rate in Alberta. Details from Chris Epp.

An investigation into two homicides and suspected drug trafficking has resulted in charges against four men.

According to the Calgary Police Service, the shooting deaths of 39-year-old Jason Quinn Antonio in Marlborough Park and 23-year-old Taylor John Zanoni In an office building in Willow Park are connected to drug activity.

Antonio was fatally shot outside of his home in the 300 block of Manora Crescent Northeast on October 4, 2014. The shooting victim was pronounced dead

Zanoni was targeted in an office building in the 10300 block of Bonaventure Drive Southeast on May 27, 2015. The 23-year-old was transported by ambulance for treatment of a gunshot wound and succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Following a joint investigation involving law enforcement agencies in Orange County, California, and Tri-Cities, Washington, arrests were made on July 15, 2016 as identified drug trade suspects allegedly attempted to bring drugs in to Canada.

“It’s a matter of a joint partnership investigation targeting drug activity internationally,” said Inspector Don Coleman, of the  CPS Major Crimes Section. “It’s all part of the same investigation so the violence that we see often is related to drug activity in the city and to get the drugs to sell they have to come from somewhere so it’s all part of the same investigation, just multiple components to it.”

Officers seized 14.2 kg of cocaine and 3.2 kg of methamphetamine.

On July 19, 2016, search warrants were executed at the following three locations in Calgary and two homes in Bearspaw :

At the residence on 3 Street, officers encountered an unknown substance and two CPS members required medical treatment. The two officers were transported to hospital as a precautionary measure and subsequently released.

“I don’t believe it was a lab. I believe there was several containers, plastic containers of powder that the officers were taking the lids off to see what was inside these containers and the one container, whatever was in it, the substance seemed to initially overwhelm the officers so they’ve been treated, have been released and are recovering,” said Coleman.

Members of the RCMP Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response Team have responded to the 3 St. S.E. home to assist with the search of the property and decontamination.

Four suspects have been charged in connection with the investigation including:

32-year-old Gursharanjit Parmar

30-year-old Joshua Lloyd Okabe

44-year-old Ricco King

71-year-old William King (Ricco’s father)

Parmar, Okabe, King and King are scheduled to appear in court on Friday.