Gangster involved in drive-by shooting wants to leave crime life to become a barber

A Calgary man who participatedin a firearms-fuelled gang war on city streets has been sentenced to six years in prisonwhile 11 other organized-crime, attempted murder and drug-related charges were withdrawn.

Abdul Amer, 21, and an accomplice were involved in a drive-by shooting in December 2015 whenthe pair sprayed another vehiclewhich was occupied by two menwith gunfire. Neither of the targets of the shooting were injured.

Originally charged with two counts of attempted murder in connection with the incident, Amerpleaded guilty in April to the lesser offence of discharging a firearm with intent to injure. On Thursday, Amertold Justice Karen Horner that he intended to step away from his formerlifestyle once he's out of prison.

"I learned my lesson," said Amer. "I just want to get out and get on with my life."

• Abdul Amer charged in connection with Coral Springs shooting

The shooting took place in theresidential neighbourhood of Coral Springs, which prosecutor Heather Morris described as "a very dangerous situation."

Amer is believed to be connected to Calgary's family-based gang war that peaked in 2015 with about 100 shootings in the city.When he was charged,Amer's brother and cousin were awaiting trial for of shooting-related offences.

Amer was one of several men charged with more than two dozen counts ofattempted murders in what police described as series oforganized crime-related shootings.

The withdrawn chargesinclude three counts of attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, two criminal organization-related offences, discharging a firearm with intent to wound andpossession of fentanyl, among others.

Defence lawyer Gavin Wolch said his client wants to get out of prison and work as a barber.

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