A man arrested in a recent Edmonton fentanyl seizure was a part of two drug busts in the Grande Prairie area over the past few years. Francois Muhire was charged as part of Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams investigations in both November 2014 and November 2015.
The first time police alleged the Wembley man was part of a drug dealing group operating in the area, which started up again less than a year later. He is still facing charges, and is set to have a preliminary hearing from September 5th to 7th this year.
This time around, Muhire was arrested by ALERT officers after more than 150 grams of powder fentanyl was found in a vehicle in Edmonton on June 1st. The search warrant was the result of a three month investigation.
“We believe these dealers knowingly sold fentanyl powder and put lives at risk,” says Staff Sergeant Pierre Blais. “This is just another example of organized crime attempting to prey on people’s addictions and jeopardize lives for the sake of lining their own wallets.”
Now 25 years old, Muhire has been charged with seven counts of trafficking fentanyl, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime, and five counts of breach of recognizance. Also charged is 38 year old Dale Martin, and an arrest warrant has been issued for 33 year old Miles Sherwood.