Three adult males from Calgary, Alberta are facing charges with the conclusion of investigations into a robbery and theft at two different Regina pharmacies earlier this month. While solid investigation and pro-active police work contributed to the success of these cases, there’s no doubt cooperation, communication, and even a bit of luck were also involved.
In the first event: at approximately 11:40 a.m. on April 12, 2022, a caller from a pharmacy in the 4600 block of Rae Street reported three unknown males entered the store, broke through the pharmacy counter and stole a quantity of drugs before fleeing in a vehicle. A little over an hour later, three suspects robbed a pharmacy, located in the 1600 block of Dewdney Avenue East, before fleeing in a vehicle. In both cases, the suspect descriptions were similar and the vehicle was described as a white, Toyota Camry with an Alberta license plate.
Later that afternoon (unbeknownst to the Regina Police Service, at the time), an RCMP officer stopped a speeding vehicle near Morse, SK, which led to discovery of a loaded handgun and various types and amounts of illegal drugs. The speeding vehicle? A white, Toyota Camry. The RCMP carried out its investigation into the discovery of the drugs and weapon, laying charges against three males from the vehicle. Communication between police agencies led to the realization the vehicle and (potentially) its occupants might be involved in the crimes just committed in Regina, which led to further investigation by RPS. The continued investigation by the Regina Police Service eventually led to new arrests and charges laid against the same three adult males.
The three accused persons: 22 year-old Matthew O’CONNER, 21 year-old Mustafa SAEED and 22 year-old Mujahid BABEKIR, are all from Calgary, Alberta. These three males are jointly charged with the following offences:
– Robbery, s. 344(1)(b) Theft under $5,000, s. 334(b) CC;
– 2 X Wear Disguise with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence, s. 351(2) CC; and
– Mischief under $5,000, s. 430(4) CC.
All three accused males made their first court appearances on these charges in Provincial Court on Wednesday, April 20, 2022.