Edmonton Police Service's Convenience Store Task Force executed a series of raids on two Joy's Lucky 7 Food Store locations between November 2025 and January 2026, according to an EPS media release published February 23. In total, officers seized over $109,400 worth of illegal drugs, contraband tobacco, weapons, designer goods, and cash across multiple locations.
What Was Actually On Those Shelves
The first raid on November 19 hit the Joy's Lucky 7 at 67 Street and 118 Avenue. Officers seized over 1,100 packages of synthetic cannabis worth roughly $60,000, nearly 45 bottles of psilocybin edibles, close to 1,000 contraband cigars, brass knuckles, and over $1,000 in cash.
Two weeks later, police hit the second location on 156 Street and 106 Avenue finding more synthetic cannabis, contraband cigars, nearly 40 spring-assisted knives, and bulk packaging materials including labels, scales, and trays. The store wasn't just selling the product. It was likely packaging it.
A mid-December warrant on a home near Lessard Road turned up $15,000 cash and $25,000 worth of designer purses.
They Got Caught Twice
On January 7 weeks after the raids EPS returned for routine inspections. Both stores had been restocked. Officers seized more synthetic cannabis and contraband cigars stamped with fake "tax paid" markings.
Police arrested 60-year-old Rui Ho and 32-year-old Aaron Ho in late January. The two men and the corporation that owns the stores now face 63 combined charges including drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, contraband tobacco trafficking, and fraud.
Why This Matters
Synthetic cannabinoids aren't regulated anywhere in Canada. They're either lab-synthesized illegally or smuggled in, with zero safety testing. Richelle Booker, a forensic pharmacologist with Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta, warned in the EPS release that these substances are often far more potent than natural cannabis and have been linked to psychotic episodes, cardiovascular complications, and death.
Someone picking this up at a corner store has no idea what they're actually buying.
EPS Constable Michael Davis noted both stores were located near schools.
If you spot suspicious items at a local convenience store, contact EPS at 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 or p3tips.com.
Based on an EPS media release dated February 23, 2026. Charges have not been proven in court.
https://www.edmontonpolice.ca/News/MediaReleases/ConBustFeb23
