In June 2025, police began an investigation after being alerted to a large quantity of suspected drugs and firearms located in a short-term rental property. A search warrant was conducted, and police found more than $1,000,000 worth of illegal drugs, including more than five kilograms of fentanyl, as well as large quantities of heroin, cocaine, and assorted drug trafficking paraphernalia and supplies. Police also located and seized 12 prohibited handguns with corresponding magazines, a prohibited assault rifle and ammunition, and over 1,000 rounds of assorted ammunition. The firearms and ammunition seized have an approximate street value in excess of $100,000.
EPS’ Firearms Investigations Unit (FIU) took over the investigation and conducted additional search warrants at two separate addresses in December 2025, where they seized another approximately $500,000 worth of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as approximately $70,000 in Canadian currency.
Police identified and charged two accused, Richard O’Connor-Larmond, 31 and Manal Fawaz, 31. O’Connor-Larmond faces 14 charges, including possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking (x9), producing a controlled substance, possession of firearms for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited firearm and two breaches of firearms prohibitions. Fawaz is charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking (x2).
Fentanyl seized
Methamphetamine and other drugs seized
Some of the firearms seized
“Opioids like fentanyl are among the most dangerous drugs on our streets today, and often, trafficking these drugs and the illegal firearms trade go hand in hand,” says Deputy Chief Nicole Chapdelaine, with the EPS Investigations Bureau. “That’s why our members continue to work across the service to build on the success of our Guns and Gangs Strategy when addressing firearm and organized crime violence in Edmonton.”