University of Regina Rams players among 5 people charged in drug trafficking investigation

Regina Rams Football Players Facing Drug Trafficking Charges

Two Regina Rams football players are among five individuals facing charges after a four-month long drug trafficking investigation conducted by the Regina Police Service. The investigation targeted a criminal organization involved in the distribution of illegal substances in the province.

During Thursday and Friday, investigators executed eight search warrants at various locations, including residences in Alameda, Frobisher, and Regina. A significant amount of illicit items were seized, including 7.5 kilograms of fentanyl, 476 grams of cocaine, and 22 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, $151,425.00 in cash, firearms, ammunition, and vehicles were confiscated as part of the operation.

Insp. Gary Giroux, who leads the Regina Police Service’s firearms, drugs, and gangs units, highlighted the importance of these seizures in enhancing community safety. He emphasized the impact of removing such a large quantity of fentanyl from circulation, estimating that it equates to approximately 75,000 doses that will no longer be available on the streets.

The total value of the seized substances and assets is estimated to be around $1.5 million. Giroux confirmed that the fentanyl originated from outside the province, specifically from the east. While he did not provide details about the specific criminal organization involved, he mentioned that more information would be disclosed in court proceedings.

Five individuals have been charged in connection with the investigation, including Regina Rams players Emmanuel Ramadan Bashir, 36, and Michael Jourdan, 21. Both athletes are residents of Toronto and face charges related to the commission of offenses for a criminal organization, trafficking in controlled substances (fentanyl), and possession of proceeds of crime.

Tarick Polius, another Regina Rams player, was also charged in the operation. Polius, who was named a Canada West all-star at defensive tackle, played a key role in the Rams’ recent success. His impressive performance on the field earned him recognition as a game-changer by head coach Mark McConkey.

The University of Regina confirmed that Polius and Jourdan, both enrolled as student-athletes, have been suspended from the football team following their arrests. The university declined to comment further on the situation.

In addition to the football players, three other individuals, Morteza Ahadi, Randal Lee Racette, and Tarick Polius, are facing various charges related to drug trafficking, possession of firearms, and other offenses. All five defendants made their initial court appearances in Regina provincial court on Friday.

The Regina Police Service’s successful operation underscores the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in the community. By disrupting the activities of criminal organizations and seizing illicit substances, law enforcement agencies are working to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law.