'Significant dial-a-dope' bust nets $18K worth of fentanyl, $23K in cash

Police say they've seized more than 600 fentanyl pills, nearly $23,000 in cash and two sets of body armour from a man they allege was participating in a "significant dial-a-dope operation" in Calgary.

The suspect, a 34-year-old Calgary man, was arrested on Jan. 20 and officers found 606 fentanyl pills, worth an estimated $18,000, in his caralong with some methadone and cash.

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More drugs and cash were later found in a search of the man's home in the100 block ofTaradaleClose N.E.

Police also seized two sets of bodyarmour, bear spray, and ammunition from the residence.

The man faces numerous drug-related criminal offences along withcharges under the provincial Body Armour Control Act.

The term "dial-a-dope"refers to an illegal drug-delivery service, where dealers bring the narcotics directly to customers, rather than having the customers come to them.

"This drug activity is believed to be at the core of much of the violence being seen in Calgary in the last year," police said in a release.