Laval, Quebec – Steve Abou-Arrage, a 54-year-old Laval man, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for running a highly lucrative "family drug trafficking operation." His sentence follows the dramatic discovery of over 100 kilograms of cocaine during a raid.

A drug cache containing over 100 kg

Abou-Arrage recently pleaded guilty to using the family residence on Fontenay Street in Laval as a "drug trafficking hub." Investigators discovered the main drug stash in an apartment registered in his ex-partner's name, where they seized 103.5 kg of cocaine in November 2021.

The extent of his activities was confirmed by items found at his cousin's house: an inventory list detailing the large quantity of narcotics, as well as firearms, high-capacity magazines, and silencer parts .

A police officer had pointed out during the investigation that drug trafficking was "a way of life for the accused, a family business" .

Links to organized crime

The investigation, opened in 2020, initially targeted Martin Dazé, a 39-year-old man who allegedly acted as a "territory manager operating on behalf of the Hells Angels." Dazé was sentenced to nearly four years in prison last month.

The police quickly made the connection with Steve Abou-Arrage, whom they identified as the "responsible for distribution" and whom they believe to be "linked to Lebanese organized crime" .

The Laval resident was not a first-time offender. He has multiple prior convictions related to narcotics in Quebec and even spent a decade incarcerated in the United States for drug and firearm possession.

Asset flight and seizure

The investigation was conducted over several months, involving surveillance and analysis of security cameras which made it possible to document the numerous movements of boxes and bags between the targeted addresses.

A notable event occurred in October 2021: Steve Abou-Arrage attempted to flee the country for Beirut, but airport officials prevented him from boarding his flight after detecting a strong odor of cannabis emanating from his luggage and traces of cocaine. He managed to leave Canada the very next day but returned in July 2024, where he was arrested on an outstanding warrant. He has approximately 13 years remaining on his sentence.

Regarding the assets, the State finally reached an agreement with Steve and his mother, Henriette Abou-Arrage, to confiscate $100,000 instead of the family home, considered a "non-chemical offence-related asset".

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Relatives also convicted

Several family members were implicated and convicted for their role, although their sentences were more lenient than that of the ringleader:

1. Henriette Abou-Arrage (mother, 72 years old)
2. Andy Abou-Arrage (son, 33 years old)
3. Roula Barak (cousin, 52 years old)
4. Ghizlane Oarab (former sister-in-law, 39 years old)

These relatives were sentenced to house arrest and community service . Steve Abou-Arrage's sister and ex-partner, however, were acquitted.