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A former UFC welterweight was arrested this week in Montreal as part of a large-scale anti-gang operation that uncovered a massive drug haul and a network authorities believe stretched across provincial lines.
Montreal police confirmed former UFC fighter Alex Garcia was among three suspects taken into custody on Monday after officers seized 102 kilograms of cocaine, additional narcotics, cash, firearms, and vehicles. Investigators described the operation as a significant blow to organized crime activity in the region following a months-long investigation that began in July 2025.
Along with the cocaine, which police estimate to be worth more than 2.3 million Canadian dollars, officers confiscated roughly five kilograms of heroin and 20 litres of GHB. Authorities also recovered more than 300,000 Canadian dollars in cash, three firearms, and two vehicles believed to be connected to the operation.
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Police allege the drugs were sourced from the Toronto area and resold at a higher price throughout Greater Montreal. According to a report by Uncrowned, the Montreal Police reported:
“Launched in July 2025, this criminal investigation revealed that 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."Two other suspects, Michele Laddaga and Victor Julio Sanchez Medrano, were arrested alongside Garcia, while warrants remain active for two additional individuals. Authorities believe the group was responsible for importing several hundred kilograms of cocaine into Montreal, making the case one of the most serious anti-gang crackdowns in the city this year.
Garcia, now 38, competed in the UFC from 2013 to 2018 and built a reputation as a dangerous finisher during his prime years. He posted a 5-5 record across 10 appearances in the promotion and picked up notable wins over veterans Mike Swick and Mike Pyle. His knockout win against Pyle in late 2016 earned him a Performance of the Night bonus and marked the peak of his UFC run.
His time with the organization ended after back-to-back decision losses in 2018, after which Garcia continued his career on the regional circuit. He later signed with Russian promotion ACA but suffered knockout losses in 2019 and early 2020.
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Edited by Abhishek Nambiar
English (US)