RCMP say they’ve dismantled a major international drug trafficking network that was using Canada Post to send illegal substances to more than a dozen other countries.
Police say that those running the network were shipping drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine to multiple countries around the world, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Slovakia, Austria, India, and Ireland. RCMP said the group was also shipping drugs to several provinces across Canada.
Investigators say the investigation included collaboration with the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
RCMP say they executed a search warrant at a Findlay Creek home in Ottawa on Oct. 22. During the search, officers seized nearly 1.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 200 Hydromorphone pills, cocaine, and other substances, with a total approximate street value of $166,000.
“This operation underscores the RCMP’s commitment to combating organized crime, protecting Canadian communities, and working with international partners to stop the flow of harmful substances in and out of the country,” said Jonathan Ko, superintendent and officer in charge of Greater Toronto Integrated Operations.
Four people have been arrested and charged in the case, according to RCMP.
Ian Murray, 43, is facing several charges including conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, commission of an offence for a criminal organization, four counts of trafficking a controlled substance, and four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Ellysha Garand, 36, is facing eight counts of trafficking a controlled substance, four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and commission of an offence for a criminal organization.
Mikias Mekonen, 41, has been charged with 17 counts of trafficking a controlled substance, possession of property obtained by crime, and commission of an offence for a criminal organization.
Aseel Al-Taee, 50, is facing two counts of trafficking a controlled substance.
RCMP said that Murray and Mekonen have been released on bail, and that Al-Taee has been released on an undertaking and is expected to appear in an Ottawa court on March 3, 2026. Garand was scheduled for a bail review on Dec. 10.
Police have asked anyone with information related to drug trafficking to report it to Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020, or the CBSA Border Watch toll-free line at 1-888-502-9060. Anonymous tips can also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
