In a Project Cerberus enforcement update, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams reported that a two-year, multi-agency investigation involving the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) dismantled a Canada–US drug trafficking network with alleged ties to Mexican cartel(s). Charges were laid against five suspects for offences related to organized crime, conspiracy, money laundering and drug offences. The operation seized 157 kilograms of cocaine, described as ALERT’s largest cocaine seizure and one of Alberta’s largest, with an estimated street value of over CAD 15 million and purity of 96–98%. Investigators also seized 15 firearms, nearly CAD 1 million in cash and seven vehicles fitted with hidden compartments, and executed 15 search warrants across Calgary, Edmonton, Spruce Grove and the Toronto area. The release linked the network to a 61-kilogram seizure in Manitoba in March 2024 and a 96-kilogram seizure in Houston, Texas in October 2024, and referenced the US prosecution of Jack Kasjaniuk, who received a 135-month federal prison sentence on 8 September 2026. Following consultation with Public Prosecution Services Canada, charges were laid in July 2025 against Reza Muhammad, Jordan Plamondon, Ji Hwan Kim, Allan Leung and James Morrissette, who together face 31 criminal charges. All five were released pending court appearances in Calgary between 26 September and 3 October 2026.
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada 2025-09-17
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada participates in Project Cerberus operation dismantling cross-border drug trafficking group
FINTRAC participated in a two-year investigation dismantling a Canada–US drug trafficking network linked to Mexican cartels. The operation seized 157 kilograms of cocaine, 15 firearms, nearly CAD 1 million in cash, and seven vehicles with hidden compartments. Charges were laid against five suspects for organized crime, conspiracy, money laundering, and drug offences.