TORONTO (SW): Afghan-Canadian soccer player Sadi Jalali and his brother, Saidkheyam Jalali have been charged with drug trafficking and firearms possession.
According to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team arrested the brothers after an investigation that began in June. The investigation was prompted by a tip that the brothers were allegedly trafficking drugs and in possession of firearms.
Sadi Jalali, 21, was arrested during a traffic stop near Ellerslie Road and 70th Street. Police say they found 16 bags of cocaine and $ 5,285 in cash inside his vehicle, and seized an Infiniti sedan. He has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Jalali is a former player for the FC Edmonton soccer team, the coach Colin Miller said. He was released during this year's spring season for "football reasons," he said. He was with the club for around three years and no longer has anything to do with FC Edmonton, the coach added.
His brother, Saidkheyam Jalali, 23, was also arrested during a traffic stop near 4th Avenue and 50th Street. Police say he was carrying a loaded Beretta 9-mm handgun with the serial number removed.
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