Former UFC welterweight Alex Garcia was arrested Monday in Montreal as part of a significant anti-gang investigation. Authorities seized 102 kilograms of cocaine, 5 kilograms of heroin, 20 liters of GHB, three firearms, two vehicles, and $306,000 CAD ($223,000 USD) in cash. Montreal police described the operation as a major crackdown targeting organized crime in the city.
Police stated in a news release:
“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.”
The cocaine alone is valued at over $2.3 million CAD ($1.7 million USD).
8 years ago today, Sean Strickland scored his first UFC TKO against Alex Garcia pic.twitter.com/1ztZyugzhK
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) February 21, 2024
Alex Garcia, 38, competed in the UFC from 2013 through 2018, taking part in 10 welterweight bouts and ending with a 5-5 record. He was released after consecutive decision losses to Ryan LaFlare and Court McGee. Garcia later fought in the Russian regional promotion ACA, losing by knockout to Ibragim Chuzhigaev in 2019 and Abdul-Rahman Dzhanaev in early 2020.
Other Arrests and Charges
Alongside Garcia, Michele Laddaga, 49, and Victor Julio Sanchez Medrano, 45, were also arrested during the raid. Two additional suspects remain at large. According to CTV News, Garcia and Medrano face charges of drug trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime, while Laddaga faces drug trafficking and possession charges.
This incident highlights Montreal authorities’ efforts to tackle organized crime and adds serious legal challenges to Garcia’s post-fighting life.
