Casino Crime Update: Calgary Drug Arrest and Toronto Security Guard Murder Case
Casinos often find themselves entangled in peculiar crimes and misadventures. This trend resurfaced recently as police apprehended a man accused of distributing business cards offering "free samples" of cocaine at a downtown Calgary casino.
The incident unfolded on December 23rd when authorities received a tip about an individual distributing business cards under the alias "Alex Lee," each accompanied by a sample of cocaine.
"Following leads on the suspect known as 'Alex Lee,' investigators gathered evidence throughout January, suggesting his involvement in drug trafficking, including the utilization of a vehicle," stated Calgary police.
On February 3rd, officers apprehended the suspect, Seyyed Amir Razavi, during a routine traffic stop. Subsequent search warrants were issued for the 30-year-old's vehicle and residence. The search yielded nearly 60 grams of cocaine, meticulously divided into over 50 baggies.
Furthermore, a digital scale with traces of drug residue, $1,280 in cash, and business cards bearing the name "Alex Lee" were seized. Razavi now faces severe charges, including two counts of trafficking a controlled substance, one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking, and three counts of possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000. Despite his arrest, Razavi was released pending his court appearance scheduled for February 26th.
Police Continue Search for Suspected Casino Murderer
In a separate incident involving a casino, a tragic event unfolded in October at a Toronto-area casino, where a 17-year-old allegedly shot and killed a Casino Pickering security guard, Michael Ferdinand, 34, around 5 a.m. The suspect, identified as Tyjae Nosworthy-Smith, remains at large, facing second-degree murder charges.
Nosworthy-Smith reportedly fled the casino premises immediately following the shooting, accompanied by a group of armed individuals. Despite ongoing efforts, authorities have not provided any recent updates on the case.
Law enforcement agencies have issued appeals for Nosworthy-Smith to surrender. While the motive behind the alleged murder remains unclear, investigators have stated that the shooting does not appear to have been premeditated.
Mark Patterson is the news writer at CasinosInCanada who covers the latest developments in the iGaming industry, including casino launches, regulations, and market updates.
These stories serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of robust security measures at casinos. While such incidents are rare, they underscore the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and gaming establishments to ensure the safety of patrons and employees alike.
The news of a suspected murder at a Toronto-area casino is tragic. My thoughts go out to the family and loved ones of the victim, Michael Ferdinand. It's disheartening that the alleged perpetrator is still at large. I hope authorities can apprehend the suspect swiftly and bring closure to the case.
It's alarming to hear about such brazen criminal activities taking place in and around casinos. The case of distributing cocaine-laced business cards is particularly concerning. Kudos to law enforcement for swiftly apprehending the suspect. Let's hope for justice to prevail in both cases.