Man charged in second Calgary meth bust

Trafficking at all-time high, police say after seizing 2.1 kilos of drug

CALGARY — Methamphetamine trafficking is on the rise as one of the fastest growing drugs in Calgary, police say in the wake of two historic busts.

Just weeks after police made a record-breaking $1-million meth bust, a Chestermere man was arrested after investigators found 2.1 kilograms of meth in his house and a southeast Calgary storage locker.

Police say both busts involve separate players, showing how rampant the drug problem is.

“There is no link between either investigation,” said Sgt. Jason Walker of the guns and gangs unit.

Last year, meth was ranked eighth on the list of drug activity, police statistics show. But trafficking has reached an all-time high, police say.

“In Calgary, methamphetamine has always played third fiddle to cocaine and marijuana,” said Walker. “It is on the rise, significantly so. Seeing seizures like this I think speaks to that, and that’s a big concern for us. “Methamphetamine is one of the most dangerous drugs out there, it’s one of the most powerful stimulants, one of the most addictive drugs out there.”

Police searched the Chestermere house in the 100 block of Rainbow Falls Lane and a car and storage locker on Erin Woods Drive S.E., Sept. 26.

Investigators seized 2.1 kilograms of meth, packaging materials and $13,000. Police estimate the street value of the meth at $210,000.

Hung Binh Thai ,29,of Chestermere, a.k.a. Tony Thai, is charged with possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking, and possession of proceeds of crime.