In a significant development, Safeer Nazir, a former co-owner of Day and Night Pizza in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, pleaded guilty to charges related to the sale of fentanyl and other illicit substances from his pizzeria. The case, which unfolded after a comprehensive investigation by the Edmonton Police Service (EPS), sheds light on the troubling exploitation of a food establishment for criminal activities.
Safeer Nazir, alongside co-owner Raja Nazir, faced charges following a lengthy probe initiated by EPS. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the 24-hour pizzeria, revealing the nefarious operations conducted on the premises. Reports indicate that the Nazirs were involved in trading stolen liquor and groceries for drugs, with substances occasionally concealed within pizza boxes for distribution to customers. While the nature of their relationship remains unclear, the investigation was prompted by complaints from community members, with allegations extending to the sale of methamphetamine from the restaurant.
The agreed statement of facts, as reviewed by the Edmonton Journal, underscores Day and Night Pizza’s notoriety among law enforcement officials, with prior undercover investigations leading to the purchase of cocaine from one of the proprietors in 2017 and 2019.
During an operation in October 2021, an undercover officer exchanged items such as cheese and alcohol for fentanyl, further substantiating the illicit activities conducted by the Nazirs. Subsequent raids on the pizzeria and the Nazirs’ residence in November 2021 yielded a significant quantity of prepackaged fentanyl concealed within various pizza boxes, alongside cash. Both men faced charges including possession for the purpose of trafficking, trafficking of a controlled substance, and proceeds of crime.
Safeer Nazir, aged 39 at the time of his arrest, appeared in court on Monday and pleaded guilty to two charges. He reportedly affirmed his understanding of the implications of his plea before the Court of King’s Bench Justice John Little. Pending sentencing scheduled for next month, Nazir remains free on bail.
The incident underscores the gravity of the fentanyl crisis in Canada, which mirrors similar challenges faced by the United States. According to Canada’s health department, opioid-related deaths have surged in recent years, with fentanyl accounting for a significant portion of fatalities. The proliferation of overdose prevention sites across Canada reflects ongoing efforts to address the crisis, despite local opposition in some areas.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the multifaceted challenges posed by illicit drug trafficking and the imperative of collaborative efforts to combat substance abuse and its devastating consequences.