Drugs-for-booze operation results in loss of alcohol, lottery licence for Oshawa, Ontario convenience store

An Oshawa convenience store alleged to have been a front for a drug trafficking operation and providing drugs in exchange for alcohol has had its licence to sell alcohol and lottery tickets suspended by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario.

The commission’s action against All in One Convenience (152 Park Rd. S.) follows a Durham Regional Police investigation into suspected drug trafficking at the store.

Police received a tip that employees at the store were selling illegal drugs and trading them in exchange for alcohol and executed search warrants at the business and a residence in Toronto on March 18. Two men and a woman were found in the business and taken into custody. The search warrants located a quantity of drugs and drug paraphernalia, more than 250 bottles of stolen alcohol valued at $20,000-plus, illegal cigarettes, stolen clothing and large amounts of cash.

• Mayuresh Mahendran, 22, of Toronto was charged with trafficking in fentanyl, crack cocaine and cannabis, possession of crystal methamphetamine and unmarked cigarettes and possession of stolen property.
• Fredy Biju, 22, of Oshawa, was charged with trafficking in fentanyl, crack cocaine and hydromorphone, as well as unmarked cigarettes and possession of stolen property.
• Emilie Ann Crissinger, 22, of Clarington was charged with trafficking in fentanyl and crack cocaine and possession of stolen property.

Based on information received from police, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario decided “immediate regulatory action” was necessary in order to “protect the public and the integrity of Ontario’s regulated alcohol and gaming markets.”

The order went into effect on Saturday, March 21.

“Operating a business with a liquor licence in Ontario is a privilege that comes with clear legal obligations,” said commission CEO Dr. Karin Schnarr. “The AGCO works closely with law enforcement to ensure businesses are operating responsibly. When licensed premises are linked to unlawful activity, the AGCO will take all appropriate actions to protect the public.”

A licence and gaming registration holder served with an Order of Immediate Suspension has the right to appeal the ruling action within 15 days.