Two pharmacists among six accused in opioid trafficking ring

Published Jan 22, 2020 • 1 minute read

Six people have been arrested, including two pharmacists from Toronto, following an investigation into a suspected opioid trafficking ring that also led to the seizure of more than $500,000 in opioids, one handgun and more than $220,000 in cash.(York Regional Police handout)

Two pharmacists from Toronto are among six people accused trafficking opioids.

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York Regional Police say an investigation was launched last month into a group suspected of trafficking opiate pills, which led to the execution of an initial search warrant in Toronto. Several people were arrested at that time.

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“The investigation continued and led officers to two pharmacists who were charged in connection with the incidents,” Const. Laura Nicolle said Wednesday.

Six people have been arrested, including two pharmacists from Toronto, following an investigation into a suspected opioid trafficking ring. Officers say they seized more than $500,000 in opioids, one handgun and more than $220,000 in cash. (York Regional Police handout)

She said investigating officers have also seized more than $500,000 in opioids, one handgun and more than $220,000 in cash.

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The pharmacists charged are John Gerges, 35, and Sandra Youssef, 30 — both of Toronto.

Georges faces three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking and one count of possession of a forged document.

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Youssef faces one count each of possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of a forged document.

Six people have been arrested, including two pharmacists from Toronto, following an investigation into a suspected opioid trafficking ring that also led to the seizure of more than $500,000 in opioids, one handgun and more than $220,000 in cash. (York Regional Police handout)

Also charged are Walter Jovel, 27, of Toronto, who faces one count of possession for the purpose of trafficking; Sahir Shemun, 39, of Vaughan, who faces two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking; Blarsn Zaro, 31, of Vaughan, who faces possession for the purpose of trafficking and failure to comply with the conditions of a recognizance order; and Firas Georges, 36, of Vaughan, who faces possession for the purpose of trafficking and firearms-related offences.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call the York Regional Police Intelligence Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7835.

cdoucette@postmedia.com

On Twitter: @SunDoucette

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