The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has seized more than 100 weapons being offered for sale out of a downtown smoke shop.
Edmonton Police have wrapped up their investigation of the sale of prohibited weapons occurring at 5 Star Gift and Smoke Shop at 105 Street and 107 Ave and arrested the store owner, Amanual Dessie, 41.
In November of 2023, Downtown Beat members started their investigation after getting numerous complaints about violence in the area, and became aware of the sale of prohibited weapons at the shop.
The investigation resulted in a search warrant for the store that was executed on April 4. Police seized 10 sword canes, more than 100 large cannisters of bear spray, more than 20 cannisters of small handheld bear spray, approximately five flashlight-style tasers/cattle prods, more than 30 butterfly knives, more than 20 pairs of brass knuckles, illicit tobacco, and a controlled substance, believed to be khat, for the purpose of trafficking.
In addition to the seized illegal items, the business was selling drug paraphernalia for both consumption and trafficking.
Dessie and his business, 5 Star Gift and Smoke Shop, were charged with seven counts of trafficking a prohibited weapon, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and selling of illicit tobacco.
“The availability of these types of weapons contributes significantly to the violence and disorder we’re seeing on the streets in parts of our inner city,” says Staff Sergeant Michael Keef, with EPS’ Downtown Branch. “That’s why we take these crimes very seriously, and we’re going to continue to investigate businesses that are selling illegal weapons.”
Anyone with information about the illegal sale of weapons 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.
