Alleged boss of huge Calgary organized crime ring now charged with human trafficking

A Calgary man suspected of being the leader of a 500-person criminal organization involved in drug sales now faces new charges of trafficking women for prostitution, police said in a news release Tuesday.

Police say 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 discussed offenses of directing drug trafficking and violent offenses for a criminal organization.

Police said the drug dealers in his network specialized in selling small quantities to homeless drug users. Much of the criminal activity took place near the reception center.

Since Orubor's arrest, DI personnel, as well as police, have recorded a “noticeable decrease in violent incidents” in the city center, 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 SE, where Orubor was found in the company of another person – with whom he had conditions to not being present – ​​and at the time of his arrest had $3,690 in cash on him.

Police say investigators now believe Orubor and an accomplice were profiting financially from trafficking women for prostitution.

At least two women were trafficked and at least one claims 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 generated and were left vulnerable to the demands of the rulers due to their addictions.

“This group targeted women who were vulnerable to manipulation and control due to their addictions,” said Staff Sgt. Jodi Gach in a press release.

“They preyed on at least two women we currently know of, although we know they had a large network in Calgary. If you are a victim of human trafficking, please call the police. We can help help.”

Orubar is now charged with the following additional offenses:

• Two counts of material benefit from trafficking.

• One count each of human trafficking, material benefit from sexual services, assault, proceeds of crime and breaching a release order.

His bond was revoked in court Tuesday and he will remain in custody until a new bail hearing on all charges.

Canada-wide warrant for second suspect

Police also issued a Canada-wide arrest warrant for parole violation for a second suspect, 38-year-old Shakir Jamal.

He is wanted on arrest warrants for human trafficking, material benefit from trafficking, advertising sexual services, assault with a weapon and assault.

Jamal is approximately 5'8″, 125 pounds, with short, bald black 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 contact Crime Stoppers.