Charges laid in illegal southern Alberta slaughter operation

An illegal slaughter operation has resulted in charges against four Calgary men.

According to a report released to the media on Tuesday, RCMP initiated an investigation into unlawful livestock dealing and the illegal slaughter of sheep, goats, and beef in Southern Alberta In November of 2023. This investigation involved collaboration between the RCMP,  Alberta Sheriffs Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods, Alberta Agriculture, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Alberta Health Services.   

RCMP confirm sheep and goats were purchased at market, transported to rural properties in Mountain View, Rocky View, and Wheatland County, where the animals were unlawfully slaughtered. Then the meat was delivered to stores and residences in the City of Calgary. Beef had also been slaughtered and was seized by investigators prior to making its way into the city. 

Inspections were completed at the involved farm and store locations which resulted in closure orders issued to seven Halal grocery stores, as well as the revocation of two On-Farm-Slaughter-Licences. Clean up orders have been issued for animal remains and unsightliness of some slaughter locations.  

As a result of these investigations, the following people have been charged:  

Raed Alnajar (48), a resident of Calgary, has been charged with:

• Fail to have animals inspected prior to slaughter, contrary to section 4(1) of the Meat Inspection Act Provincial.
• Sell, offer for sale, transport, or deliver uninspected meat, contrary to section 5(a) of the Meat Inspection Act Provincial.
• Deal in livestock without being a licenced livestock dealer, contrary to section 47(1) of the Livestock Identification and Commerce Act.

Waeel Alhamawi (35), a resident of Calgary, has been charged with:

• Fail to have animals inspected prior to slaughter, contrary to section 4(1) of the Meat Inspection Act Provincial.
• Sell, offer for sale, transport, or deliver uninspected meat, contrary to section 5(a) of the Meat Inspection Act Provincial (x2)
• Deal in livestock without being a licenced livestock dealer, contrary to section 47(1) of the Livestock Identification and Commerce Act.

Amer Alhamawi (35), a resident of Calgary, has been charged with:

• Fail to have animals inspected prior to slaughter, contrary to section 4(1) of the Meat Inspection Act Provincial.
• Sell, offer for sale, transport, or deliver uninspected meat, contrary to section 5(a) of the Meat Inspection Act Provincial (x2)
• Deal in livestock without being a licenced livestock dealer, contrary to section 47(1) of the Livestock Identification and Commerce Act.

Tareq Alhamawi (41), a resident of Calgary, has been charged with sell, offer for sale, transport, or deliver uninspected meat, contrary to section 5(a) of the Meat Inspection Act Provincial.

All accused are scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Strathmore on June 24, 2024:

The RCMP Livestock Unit reminds the public that in order to buy and sell livestock or livestock products within 30 days, a dealer’s licence is required.  For information on dealer licences, please refer to Livestock Identification Services Ltd. (lis-ab.com).   

For inquiries regarding slaughter and meat inspection, contact Alberta Agriculture Inspection and Investigation Section | Alberta.ca.