Calgary police arrest two in separate drug busts after two overdose deaths
Posted Jun 22, 2023 2:58 pm.
Last Updated Jun 22, 2023 4:38 pm.
Calgary police made a pair of drug trafficking arrests in “unrelated” investigations that started after two overdose deaths in the year.
An investigation started in January when a person reached out to police with evidence from the overdose death of their family member.
Subsequently, officers led another investigation after they received a call from another person about a separate, “unrelated overdose death.”
Both cases led police to those they allege were responsible.
In the first instance, police led a search warrant into a home and vehicle on 8 Street and 4 Avenue SW on April 26.
Officers arrested 27-year-old Calgary man Brandon Tallman, and they found 62 grams of powder cocaine, 200 grams of cutting agent, and $445 in cash.
He faces three counts of trafficking, four counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. He is expected to appear in court on June 28.
On the second instance a day later, police led another search into a home on the 1400 block of 26A Street SW.
They arrested 32-year-old Darren Boyle and charge him with three counts of trafficking, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime, and one count of unlawful possession. He is expected to appear in court on June 23.
Calgary police believe there is no link between the two cases. In addition, the deaths were deemed “non-criminal in nature,” so no charges related to the deaths were laid.
In addition, investigators sent the drugs found at the scenes for testing and said there are no abnormalities so far.
“The purchase and sale of illegal narcotics puts our community and those we love at risk. In these situations, two people needlessly lost their lives and we’ll use every resource available to us to ensure all those involved will be held responsible for their actions,” said the Calgary Police Service’s Inspector Jeff Pennoyer in a statement.
“There is no such thing as a safe street drug. Every time people consume illegal narcotics, they are taking a chance with their life.”
Officers say there are ongoing investigations for other events they believe are connected to these incidents.
Police ask anyone with information about these incidents to call them at 403-266-1234 or leave a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
