Police say the arrests are part “extensive investigations” launched by the CPS pilot project, OverDOSE. The project uses drug unit members to investigate all overdose or drug-related deaths in Calgary.
“While there is insufficient evidence to lay charges in relation to the overdose deaths, the evidence found during the investigations identified drug traffickers who were believed to have previous contact with the victims, which led our officers to conduct investigations,” CPS said in a news release.
The first investigation began in August 2022 when police found a man dead in his home as a result of a drug overdose. Officers investigated an individual they believed to have been selling drugs to the deceased.
On March 12, 2024, police arrested two men and charged them with drug trafficking. Approximately 84 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 32 grams of fentanyl were seized from one of the suspect’s vehicles.
Ross Michael Darr, 32, was charged with multiple counts of trafficking, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of property obtained by a crime.
Brandon Howatt, 38, was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.
The second investigation was launched In October 2023 after another man was found deceased in his residence as a result of a drug overdose. From January 2024 to May 2024, officers investigated one man believed to be involved in drug trafficking.
The investigation led officers to a home in the 0 to 100 block of Skyview Ranch Landing N.E., where they executed a search warrant on May 9, 2024.
Police seized approximately 10 grams of crack cocaine, approximately 43 grams of cocaine, 18 hydrocodone pills, 414 oxycodone pills and 20 grams of MDMA. In addition to drugs, officers also seized $5,050 in Canadian currency, a .22 M15 rifle, ammunition, cell phones, scales and other items consistent with drug trafficking activity.
Karanbir Singh Khaira, 26, has been charged with multiple counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, trafficking a controlled substance and possession of property obtained by a crime. Khaira has also been charged with possession of an unauthorized firearm, careless storage of a firearm and possession of a loaded firearm while restricted.
Khaira is due to appear in court Monday.