Regina police seized more than $1 million in drug trafficking, primarily fentanyl and firearms, after a four-month drug trafficking investigation that led to the arrests of five people, including two Regina University student-athletes.
Police also seized more than $150,000 in cash, a restricted firearm, a banned handgun and three vehicles.
The estimated street value of the seized drug is $1.5 million. Gary Giroux, RPS Research Services division, took place in Regina at a press conference on February 24th.
“It’s a substantial dose that was taken out of the streets to ensure the safety of our community,” he said.
Emmanuel Ramadan Bashir, 36, Morteza Ahadi, 32, Randal Lee Lechette, 44, Tarik Polius, 24, and Michael Jordan, 21, were arrested in connection with the investigation.
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Polius and Jordan are student-athletes at the University of Regina and played for the university’s soccer team, the Regina Rams, during last season.
“At this point, individuals are suspended from the football team,” Everett Doma, a spokesman for University of Regina, said in a statement, adding that the university will not comment on the arrests or charges as the investigation is ongoing.
Both students face drug transport fees including possession of fentanyl for trafficking purposes, trafficking in a controlled substance (fentanyl), possession of criminal income less than $5,000, and mandating criminal organizational violations.
The other three suspects face multiple charges related to drug trafficking, firearms crimes and criminal organizational activities. All of the accused appeared in court for the first time in Regina State Court on February 21, police said.
Saskatchewan Fentanyl Action
Drugs come as fentanyl trafficking has emerged as a key issue in trade relations between Canada and the US. US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, reducing 10% collection of Canadian oil and gas unless both countries tackle fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration across borders.
On February 3, Trump agreed to a 30-day suspension of tariffs in Canada following a commitment from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to increase border security. He has since announced blanket tariffs on all aluminum and steel imports to the United States, and is expected to come into effect next month, indicating that more tariffs could come as his administration reviews its trading deals with other countries by April.
The strategy includes fines of up to $1 million for fentanyl dealers, abolishing driver’s licenses, halting all social interests, and designating drug equipment as street weapons, allowing police to confiscate them.
Jennifer Cowan contributed to this report.
