On Apr. 17, 2025, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) Community Safety Teams (previously known as Healthy Streets Operations Centre or HSOC) executed a search warrant at a convenience store located near 106 Avenue and 97 Street that was known to be selling contraband cigarettes. Police seized 50 prohibited weapons, illicit tobacco and stolen brand name apparel from the store.
During the search, police came across new brand name apparel being offered for sale, including approximately $4,500 worth of stolen clothing, handbags and running shoes. These items had security tags still attached, some of which had been damaged by attempts to remove them. Police also located hidden compartments built into the store’s shelving.
In total, police seized:
- 50 prohibited knives, including spring-assisted knives
- 12,485 contraband cigarettes with an estimated retail value of $3,125
- Four stolen authentic Edmonton Oilers jerseys
- 13 other stolen articles of clothing, including brand name handbags, ball caps and running shoes
- Six cellphones believed to be stolen
Illegal knives seized
Knives, stolen apparel seized
Item offered for sale with damaged security tag
Illicit tobacco seized
The store owner, Filmon Assefw, 26 and employee Simon Assefw, 19 are each charged with possession of weapons for trafficking, possession of stolen property under $5,000, fraud under $5,000, possession of stolen property under $5,000 and sell, transport, deliver or distribute tobacco product that is not packaged/stamped.
“The discovery of these brand new stolen items highlights that in some cases, retail theft has evolved beyond isolated incidents and is now part of an organized system where stolen merchandise is sold at discounts by unscrupulous businesses,” says Sergeant Dana Gehring, with EPS’ Community Safety Teams. “This not only undermines the integrity of the retail sector but places immense financial strain on legitimate businesses trying to operate responsibly.”
The EPS has identified an increasing trend of other convenience stores operating the same way, leading to a significant impact on surrounding businesses and communities. In response, the EPS is working with the City of Edmonton and other partner agencies to address this trend.
Anyone with information about the illegal sale of weapons, tobacco or stolen goods is asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone. Anonymous information can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.p3tips.com/250.