The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Ontario have successfully shut down a major international drug trafficking ring that was using Canadian mail services to distribute narcotics worldwide.
After a comprehensive 10-month investigation in collaboration with U.S. Homeland Security and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), authorities unveiled a sophisticated network that utilized Canada Post to traffic methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illegal substances to over a dozen countries, including the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and several European nations. The illicit shipments also made their way to various provinces across Canada.
On October 22, RCMP officers carried out a search warrant in Ottawa’s Findlay Creek area, leading to the seizure of nearly 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 200 Hydromorphone pills, cocaine, and other contraband valued at approximately $166,000.
Among those arrested in connection with the operation, Ian Murray, 43, faces charges including conspiracy to export controlled substances, involvement in criminal organization activities, trafficking cocaine, and possession for trafficking purposes. Ellysha Garand, 36, and Mikias Mekonen, 41, both from Ottawa, are also charged with various drug trafficking offenses and criminal organization involvement. Aseel Al-Taee, 50, is facing two counts of trafficking controlled substances.
While Murray and Mekonen have been released on bail, Garand remains in custody awaiting a bail review in December. Al-Taee, on the other hand, has been released on an undertaking and is set to appear in court in 2026.