Alleged boss of huge Calgary organized crime network now accused of human trafficking

A Calgary man suspected of being the leader of a 500-person criminal organization involved in selling drugsnow faces fresh charges trafficking of women for the purposes of prostitution, police said in a release Tuesday.

Police allege Lawrence Orubor, 52, is the leader of a massive drug distribution network known as The Family.

Last year, following a six-month police investigation dubbed Operation Bloodline, Orubor was charged with the rarely invoked offences of instructing drug trafficking and violent offences for a criminal organization.

Police said his network's drug dealers specialized in selling small quantities to homeless drug addicts. Much of the criminal activity took place near the Drop-In Centre.

Since Orubor'sarrest, staff at the DI, as well as police, have recorded a "notable decrease of violent incidents"in the downtown area, police said.

Orubor was released on bail last November.

But on Jan. 7, Calgary police executed a search warrant at a residence in the 2800 block of 16th Avenue S.E. where Orubor was found in the company of another person whom he had conditions not to be in the presence of and at the time of his arrest had $3,690 cash with him.

Police say investigators now believe Orubor and an accomplice were financially benefiting from the trafficking of women for the purposes of prostitution.

At least two women were trafficked and at least one alleges they were assaulted if they did not comply with the demands of the leader and his associate, police said.

The victims received very little of the money that was generated and were made vulnerable to the demands of the leaders because of their addictions.

"This group targeted women who were vulnerable to manipulation and control because of their addictions," said Staff Sgt. Jodi Gach in a release.

"They preyed on at least two women that we currently know about, though we know they had a vast network in Calgary. If you are a victim of human trafficking, please call police. We can help."

Orubar is now charged with the additional offences of:

• Two counts of material benefit from trafficking.
• One count each of trafficking in persons, material benefit from sexual services, assault, proceeds of crime and breach of a release order.

His bail was revoked in court Tuesday and he'll stay in custody until a new bail hearing on all charges.

Canada-wide warrant for 2nd suspect

Police also issued a Canada-wide warrant for parole violations for a second suspect, Shakir Jamal, 38.

He is wanted on warrants for trafficking of persons, material benefit from trafficking, advertising sex services, assault with a weapon and assault.

Jamal is approximately 5'8" tall, 125 pounds, with short black balding hair. He has a tattoo on his right cheek that says "Family."

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the police non-emergency line at 403-266-1234 or to contact Crime Stoppers.