An August search of two Calgary homes and one vehicle lead to the seizure of five hand guns and more than $500,000 in drugs and cash.
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) began an investigation in May relating to suspected drug dealers in the Calgary area.
The drugs seized include powder cocaine, crack cocaine and methamphetamine and have an estimated street value of $509,000.
One of the firearms seized had previously been reported as stolen, and another had its serial number defaced.
Officers also seized firearm accessories, including ammunition, magazines and suppressors.
“The firearms will be submitted to the Provincial Firearms Solutions Lab to complete analysis, serial number restoration, and ballistics testing” according to ALERT.
According to a Wednesday news release from ALERT, officers believe one of the homes searched, located in Calgary’s Beltline community, was being used to process crack cocaine.
“There’s a clear risk to neighbourhoods when drugs and firearms are present. ALERT works collaboratively with our partners to undermine these complex organized crime thefts,” said ALERT acting staff sergeant Shelby Stewart in the release.
Huan Cao, 28, has been charged with possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, unauthorized possession of a firearm, unsafe storage of a firearm, tampering with a serial number and possession of a prohibited device.