Two men have been charged after Edmonton police executed a series of search warrants, resulting in the seizure of over $109,400 in weapons, drugs, contraband tobacco, and designer goods. The operation targeted multiple Joy's Lucky 7 Food Store locations and a residential property in Edmonton during December 2025.
Details of the Police Raids
The Edmonton Police Service's convenience store task force initiated the investigation with a search warrant on November 19, 2025, at a Joy's Lucky 7 Food Store near 67 Street and 118 Avenue. During this raid, officers confiscated approximately $60,000 worth of synthetic cannabis, nearly 45 bottles of psilocybin edibles, about 1,000 contraband cigars, 70 grams of contraband chewing tobacco, several brass knuckles, and over $1,000 in Canadian currency.
Additional Searches and Seizures
On December 1, police executed a second warrant at another Joy's Lucky 7 location near 156 Street and 106 Avenue. This search yielded nearly $4,800 of synthetic cannabis, packaging materials, almost 40 spring-assisted knives, and around 500 contraband cigars.
A third search warrant was carried out on December 18 at a home near Lessard Road and Dalhousie Way. Here, authorities seized nearly $15,000 in Canadian currency, one set of brass knuckles, and a large collection of designer goods, including purses valued at $25,000.
Follow-Up Inspections and Arrests
On January 7, EPS conducted follow-up inspections at the targeted locations, where they seized nearly 200 packages of synthetic cannabis and over 300 contraband cigars with illegally applied "tax paid" stamps.
In late January, police arrested Rui Ho, 60, and Aaron Ho, 32. The men, along with the parent corporation of the convenience stores, face a total of 63 charges. These include four counts of drug trafficking, four counts of contraband tobacco trafficking, two counts of weapons trafficking, and fraud under $5,000.
Police Statement and Community Impact
Constable Michael Davis commented on the operation, stating, "We are glad that we were able to successfully take illegal drugs, contraband tobacco, and weapons out of shops that service our community, including areas close to schools. Our team remains steadfast in its goal to ensure convenience stores sell legitimate and legal items."
No court dates have been set for the accused individuals. Police are urging anyone with additional information to contact them at 780-423-4567 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
