Montreal police investigators seized 58 kilograms of cocaine over a 48-hour period last week, a total significantly higher than initial reports suggested. The operation, conducted by the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) Antigang unit, unfolded in two distinct phases, resulting in multiple arrests and the recovery of more than 1.5 million dollars worth of narcotics before distribution.
Two-Phase Operation Yields 58 Kilograms
The first seizure of 24 kilograms occurred on Monday, July 6, following a pursuit in Montreal’s east end. Police attempted to stop an Ottawa-based suspect, Marcus Cecil Skeete, 34, who was involved in a traffic accident at the intersection of Langelier and Beaubien streets. Skeete abandoned his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by investigators who had been monitoring the scene. A second individual, Steve Landerman, 35, of L’Assomption, was intercepted shortly after the same alleged transaction; police recovered three kilograms of cocaine from his vehicle.
Two days later, the Antigang unit targeted a separate group following an intelligence-led surveillance operation. Investigators observed Kevin Lopes, 34, of Montreal, meeting with Gady Minani, 18, of Quebec City. The subsequent intervention led to the recovery of 34 kilograms of cocaine, additional unspecified drugs, a .45-caliber pistol, ammunition, and a sum of cash. Jonathan Marcel Albanez, 36, of Anjou, was also arrested in connection with this operation. A 33-year-old woman from Montreal was also arrested and will face charges via summons.
Did You Know?
The street value of the 58 kilograms seized by the SPVM is estimated at approximately 1.5 million dollars. This valuation is based on the current market rate of 27 000 $ per kilogram in the greater Montreal area, calculated prior to the drug being processed for street-level resale.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
On Thursday, the three men arrested during the second phase—Lopes, Minani, and Albanez—appeared at the Montreal courthouse. They face charges including possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, drug trafficking, illegal sale of cannabis, and possession of proceeds of crime. Additionally, Lopes and Albanez are charged with possession of a firearm.
The prosecution, represented by Me Véronique Warthold, has opposed the release of Lopes and Albanez. Their bail hearings have been postponed until Wednesday. Minani was granted provisional release pending further proceedings. The bail hearings for Landerman and Skeete are scheduled for Monday and Wednesday, respectively. Notably, a review of records suggests none of the three men arrested on Wednesday had prior adult criminal records in Quebec.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges filed against the suspects?
Kevin Lopes, Gady Minani, and Jonathan Marcel Albanez were charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, drug trafficking, illegal cannabis sales, and possession of proceeds of crime. Lopes and Albanez also face charges for firearm possession.
How did the police track the suspects?
The investigation into Lopes was driven by intelligence from sources, which led to an operation where police observed him meeting with Minani. The earlier arrests of Skeete and Landerman followed police observations of a meeting that appeared to be a drug transaction.
What is the status of the suspects’ bail hearings?
Minani was released provisionally. The bail hearings for Lopes and Albanez are set for Wednesday, while the hearing for Landerman is scheduled for Monday.
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