New fines laid in connection to drug and catalytic converter trafficking operation

Edmonton police say A1 Scrap Metal Recycling Ltd. is facing fines in connection with a drug and catalytic converter trafficking operation which first saw charges laid in 2022.

Over the summer of 2022, police say they began a drug investigation into the company.

Over the course of the investigation, officers noticed drug transactions taking place within the business. During that time, they also found individuals were bringing in catalytic converters.

Due to what was being observed by investigators, a search warrant was issued in November 2022, at the company office and a home.

Police were able to find over 1,400 grams of fentanyl (worth roughly $285,000), over 2,000 grams of cocaine, (worth roughly $180,000), an unlawfully owned 9 mm Glock handgun (which was loaded, an illegal magazine that contained 41 9 mm round, more than 700 catalytic converters with a replacement value of roughly $1,400,000, and roughly $9,800 in cash.

At the time, 27-year-old Tekie Awte was charged with eight drug and firearm-related charges.

Police say the investigation continued and it led to two additional suspects, 28-year-old Meron Semere Okbamichael, 26-year-old Simon Semere Okbamichael. Both were charged with the same offenses as Awte.

On Jan. 5, 2023, additional charges were laid on Awte and A1 Scrap Metal Recycling Ltd. under the Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Identification Act.

Under the Act, individuals will face a $10,000 fine or imprisonment for a maximum of one year or both — for a first offense. For a second offense, an individual will face a $25,000 fine or imprisonment for a maximum of one year.

Corporations will face a $50,000 fine for a first offense. For a second offense, a corporation will face a $200,000 fine.

Anyone who may have any information is asked to call investigators at 780-423-4567 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Preventing catalytic converter thefts

EPS will be announcing the winners of the Catalytic Converter Challenge on Friday.

The challenge began in August 2022, in an effort to find “ideas and innovations” which would reduce thefts involving catalytic converters.

READ MORE: Worldwide challenge: $50K to solve problem of catalytic converter thefts

With contribution from Millennium Insurance Corporation, $50,000 in prize money for viable solutions will be given to the winners.