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Edmonton Police seize more than $60,000 in drugs and cash at local pizza restaurant, charge two men

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The Edmonton Police Service has charged two Edmonton men for selling fentanyl and meth at a pizza restaurant in central Edmonton. More than $60,000 in cash and drugs were seized.
The Edmonton Police Service has charged two Edmonton men for selling fentanyl and meth at a pizza restaurant in central Edmonton. More than $60,000 in cash and drugs were seized. Photo by Supplied
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Police have charged the two owners of a north Edmonton pizza restaurant for selling two illegal toppings — meth and fentanyl.

The three-month investigation was sparked by complaints from concerned community members. The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) began its investigation into the pizza shop in the area of 97 Street and 118 Avenue in August.

Police say it was reported to them that the restaurant was selling drugs by hiding them in pizza boxes. They were also accepting stolen groceries and alcohol as payment for the drugs.

The northwest division BEATs team worked closely with the Alberta Sheriffs Safer Communities & Neighbourhoods Unit (SCAN) and members of the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) throughout the investigation that culminated with an executed search warrant of the restaurant and an associated home in the Cumberland neighbourhood on Nov. 9.

Two men were arrested and officers seized more than $60,000 of drugs and cash from both locations, including 240 grams of fentanyl, 3.3 grams of meth and 0.6 grams of cocaine, police said.

Police said prior to and during the investigation, officers noticed an increase in fentanyl-related events in the area.

“We’re hopeful these warrant executions and arrests will help to reduce drug activity in the neighbourhood long-term,” said Sgt. Andrew Weaver with the northwest division BEATs team in a news release.

Police say they have charged Raja Nazir, 65, and Safeer Nazir, 39, with possession for the purpose of trafficking, traffic of a controlled substance and proceeds of crime.

Source: EdmontonJournal

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