On Nov. 19, 2025, following an investigation, police officers from the EPS’ Convenience Store Task Force executed a search warrant at a Joy’s Lucky 7 Food Store, a convenience store located in the area of 67 Street and 118 Avenue. During the search, police located and seized over 1,100 packages of synthetic cannabis (approximately $60,000 in value), nearly 45 bottles of psilocybin edibles (approximate value of over $2,100), nearly 1,000 contraband cigars and almost 70 grams of contraband chewing tobacco (over $1,500 of tax avoidance), over $1,000 in Canadian currency and a number of brass knuckles.
On Dec. 1, 2025, the EPS executed a search warrant at a second location for Joy’s Lucky 7 Food Store, located at 156 Street and 106 Avenue. During the search, police located and seized nearly 140 packages of synthetic cannabis (approximate value of over $4,800), nearly 40 spring-assisted knives and nearly 500 contraband cigars (nearly $1,000 of tax avoidance). Police were also able to locate and seize a large quantity of synthetic cannabis packaging materials, including bulk labels, scales and trays.
On Dec. 18, 2025, police executed a search warrant at a residence in the area of Lessard Road and Dalhousie Way. During the search, police located and seized nearly $15,000 in Canadian currency, one set of brass knuckles and a large selection of designer goods, including purses with a value of approximately $25,000.
On Jan. 7, 2026, police executed routine follow-up compliance inspections. Collectively, at the 67 Street and 156 Street stores, police located and seized nearly 200 packages of synthetic cannabis (approximate street value of $7,000) and over 300 contraband cigars with “tax paid” stamps illegally applied to them.
In late January, police arrested Rui Ho, 60, and Aaron Ho, 32. In total, the male suspects and the corporation that owns the convenience stores face 63 charges, including drug trafficking (x4), weapons trafficking (x2), contraband tobacco trafficking (x4) and fraud under $5,000 (tax avoided). The accused do not have court dates set at this time.
“Synthetic cannabinoids are unregulated in Canada and are either illicitly synthesized or illegally imported into the country,” says Richelle Booker, Forensic Pharmacologist, Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta, ALERT. “Many synthetic cannabinoids are more potent than natural cannabis and may cause unexpected and/or serious adverse effects, including cognitive impairments, cardiovascular complications, and severe psychotic symptoms. They have not been thoroughly studied in human clinical trials, and the lack of clinical data makes it difficult to predict how these drugs will act when combined with other drugs (including alcohol), and what impact these drugs may have on underlying medical conditions. The use of any drug from the unregulated supply poses a risk for severe, and potentially fatal, toxicity, and synthetic cannabinoids have been identified as contributing to drug-related deaths.”
Seized synthetic cannabis
Seized psilocybin edibles
Seized illegal tobacco products
“We are glad that we were able to successfully take illegal drugs, contraband tobacco and weapons out of shops that service our community, including areas close to schools,” says Cst. Michael Davis with the EPS’ Convenience Store Task Force. “Our team remains steadfast in its goal to ensure convenience stores sell legitimate and legal items.”
“We encourage Edmontonians to contact police or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers if they see unusual or illegal items on display at their local corner-stores. We will investigate these reports to our fullest extent.”