Calgary, AB – A drug trafficking investigation in southwest Calgary has led to the seizure of $74,000 worth of drugs and multiple criminal charges against two suspects, according to the Calgary Police Service (CPS). The operation, which began in August 2025, concluded with a search warrant execution on October 17 at a residence on 23 Avenue near 1 Street SW.
The Incident: Drug Trafficking Investigation in Southwest Calgary
Police began investigating a 34-year-old woman suspected of trafficking drugs in the southwest part of the city. Following weeks of surveillance and evidence collection, officers obtained a search warrant for her residence, which was executed earlier this month.
During the operation, officers seized a significant quantity of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, along with cash believed to be proceeds of crime.
“Our officers continue to prioritize removing illegal drugs and criminal activity from Calgary’s communities,” police said in a statement announcing the arrests.
At the time of the search, police also encountered and arrested a man wanted on 14 outstanding warrants, including a Canada-wide immigration warrant.
Investigation and Evidence: What Police Found
According to investigators, the drugs seized have an estimated street value of approximately $74,000. Officers also recovered $4,600 in Canadian currency believed to be tied to drug trafficking operations.
Items seized include:
- 465.4 grams of suspected fentanyl
- 83.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine
- 46.6 grams of suspected cocaine
- 42.1 grams of suspected heroin
- $4,600 in Canadian currency
Police say the seizure represents a significant disruption to drug distribution networks operating in southwest Calgary.
“Every gram of fentanyl seized represents a potential life saved,” investigators noted, emphasizing the department’s ongoing efforts to combat drug-related harm.
Charges Laid: Two Suspects Facing Multiple Offenses
Following the search and arrests, two individuals are now facing serious criminal charges:
- Michelle Ellen Binning, 34, has been charged with:
- Four counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
- One count of possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000
- Daniel Issaias Solis-Poot, 26, has been charged with:
- One count of obstructing a peace officer
- One count of breach of a release order
Binning was the primary target of the investigation, while Solis-Poot was arrested at the scene on unrelated warrants.
Both suspects remain in custody pending their court appearances. Police said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Context and Broader Drug Enforcement Efforts
This seizure marks another major step in Calgary’s broader initiative to combat drug trafficking and fentanyl distribution, which has been linked to a surge in opioid-related deaths across Alberta.
The Calgary Police Service’s Drug Undercover Street Team (DUST) has been coordinating similar operations citywide, focusing on dismantling local networks supplying synthetic opioids and methamphetamine.
Authorities continue to urge residents to report suspicious activity, emphasizing that community cooperation plays a key role in ongoing enforcement efforts.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to hold traffickers accountable and keep our neighborhoods safe,” police officials stated.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Calgary Police Service confirmed that forensic testing on the seized substances is underway to verify purity and composition. Investigators are also examining potential links to organized trafficking groups operating in Alberta and neighboring provinces.
Court dates for both Binning and Solis-Poot are expected to be set in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The successful seizure of $74,000 in illegal drugs and multiple arrests highlight the Calgary Police Service’s continued efforts to address drug trafficking and reduce the circulation of dangerous substances like fentanyl. Officials say the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing dangers of illicit drug activity and the importance of public vigilance.
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