Ex-UFC Fighter Alex Garcia Arrested In Major Canadian Drug Bust Operation

A former UFC welterweight is now at the center of a sweeping Canadian anti-gang investigation that resulted in a major drug seizure in Montreal. Montreal police confirmed to CTV News that Alex Garcia, a 38-year-old ex-UFC fighter, was arrested alongside two other suspects after authorities uncovered a massive cache of narcotics, cash, weapons, and vehicles during coordinated raids tied to organized crime activity. The arrests stem from an investigation led by the city’s anti-gang unit, which officials described as a “major” operation. According to police, officers seized more than 102 kilograms of cocaine. Investigators said the total value of the cocaine and heroin recovered exceeded $2.3 million CAD (roughly $1.7 million USD). They also recovered approximately five kilograms of heroin, 20 liters of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), $306,000 CAD in cash, three firearms, and two vehicles believed to be connected to the alleged trafficking network. Authorities said the probe began earlier this year and focused on drug distribution routes between Ontario and Quebec. In a statement released by Montreal police, officials explained that the investigation revealed “the Toronto area was being used as a supply source and that the drugs were then being resold at a higher price in Greater Montreal.” Garcia was arrested alongside Michele Laddaga, 49, and Victor Julio Sanchez Medrano, 45. Police have also issued arrest warrants for two additional suspects who remain at large. Garcia and Sanchez Medrano have been charged with drug trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime, while Laddaga faces charges related to drug trafficking and possession. Before his arrest, Garcia was known to MMA fans for his time in the UFC, where he competed between 2013 and 2018. Fighting in the welterweight division, Garcia appeared in 10 bouts under the UFC banner, finishing with a 5–5 record.

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