Investigators have seized $130,000 in alcohol since they opened an investigation in late 2020 into an increase in liquor thefts. The Edmonton Police Service says it uncovered a large market for stolen liquor and a distribution network that supplied the product to legitimate businesses such as liquor stores and restaurants. “This investigation began with two identified productive suspects who were…responsible for the theft of approximately $50,000 worth of liquor. We followed the evidence and demonstrated that there was [sic] multiple levels where it would go all the way to the top level of distribution and then go back into legitimate business,” Deputy Constable David Graham told reporters on Tuesday. “We believe 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 license revoked, an AGLC spokesman said. Forty charges were brought 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.
Also, police allege illegal drugs and unmarked cigarettes were being trafficked.
During search warrants at “several residences and businesses throughout the city,” police seized the liquor as well as 350,000 unbranded cigarettes worth about $35,000, $73,000 in fentanyl pills, $185,000 in cocaine and $5.40 worth of Xanax pills. “Theft of liquor in itself, maybe that doesn’t strike a chord, but that’s just one commodity that these criminal networks use,” Graham said. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Joe Scarpelli
