(Dreamstime)

By Sheldon Spackman

2023 Investigation

Trial dates set for pair charged in major Red Deer drug bust

Nov 20, 2024 | 12:14 PM

Trial dates have been scheduled for two of four people charged after Mounties seized tens of thousands of dollars worth of drugs from various Red Deer neighbourhoods last year.

Omar Abuelhawa, 59, and Sone Narong, 51, both of Red Deer, are scheduled for trial in Red Deer Court of King’s Bench from May 13-16, 2025.

Meantime, two others initially charged, Phouthavong Khamkhay, 57, of Red Deer, saw their charges withdrawn Nov. 4, 2024, while Pakorn Narong, 52, also of Red Deer, saw a stay of proceedings in their matters, also on Nov. 4, 2024.

It was on June 26, 2023, when the Red Deer General Investigation Section (GIS), concluded a nine-month investigation resulting in a significant amount of drugs and cash being seized.

GIS with the assistance of Police Dog Services and Red Deer RCMP executed search warrants in the Glendale, Rosedale, and Oriole Park neighbourhoods of Red Deer, as well as a local restaurant.

2023 Investigation

Trial dates set for pair charged in major Red Deer drug bust

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As a result of the search, RCMP seized;

• 538 grams of suspected cocaine
• 396 grams of suspected methamphetamine
• $6100 Canadian dollars
• Drug trafficking paraphernalia

Police allege the approximate street value of the drugs was over $77,000.

Omar Abuelhawa, a resident of Red Deer, was charged with trafficking controlled substances X7.

Phouthavong Khamkhay, a resident of Red Deer, was charged with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Pakorn Narong, a resident of Red Deer, was charged with trafficking controlled substances X2.

Sone Narong, a resident of Red Deer, was charged with trafficking controlled substances, and possession of proceeds of crime.

Mounties say members of the public who suspect drug trafficking or gang activity in their community are encouraged to contact the Red Deer RCMP at 403-406-2200 or their local police.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or using the “P3 TIPS” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.