Online drug trafficking investigation leads to $13M worth of drugs seized

Police in Alberta and B.C. have shut down an online drug trafficking operation and seized $13-million worth of magic mushrooms and cannabis.

The Calgary Police Service received a tip in April about the online illicit sale of psilocybin and cannabis products through a website believed to be operating out of a home in Calgary.

Police believe the website, called the ChronFather, was selling illegal products to buyers throughout Canada. It’s also alleged the sellers were able to collect $11 million through the platform since Jan. 2021.

The CPS Cybercrime Team were able to identify suspects through the collection of digital and psychical evidence. Investigators also found several properties in B.C. believed to be functioning as distribution and storage sites.

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Five search warrants were executed simultaneously at properties located in Calgary, Kelowna and Beaverdell, B.C. on Tuesday, Dec. 7, and Wednesday, Dec. 8.

Police were able to seize:

• Approximately $13 million worth of cannabis, including roughly 2,636 kilograms of dried cannabis and cannabis plants, 7.2 kilograms of shatter, and various amounts of cannabis oils/resin and edibles.
• More than $85,000 worth of psilocybin, also known as mushrooms, in both dried and gummy forms.
• $63,000 in Canadian currency.
• Four rifles and various ammunition.
• A Ford F350 as proceeds of crime.

The Alberta and B.C. Civil Forfeiture Offices have started proceedings against funds in an Alberta bank account and other assets in B.C.

“By operating outside of the regulated cannabis production, processing and distribution channels, these individuals put citizens at significant risk,” said Insp. Phil Hoetger of the CPS Technical Operations Section.

“Not only did purchases made through this website fund illegal organized criminal activities, but production and storage facilities of this size are often the target of accompanying violence that puts our community at risk. Additionally, without any regulatory oversight, there were no measures in place to ensure that these products were safe for consumption.”

Two people have been arrested and charges are pending.