Police say a man gunned down in broad daylight in the Beltline this week was a known drug trafficker.

While they have not determined a motive behind the deadly attack, police said they have not ruled out Efrem Mehari Kuflom, 30, may have been killed in a drug-related dispute.

Homicide Staff Sgt. Kevin Forsen said investigators are going through surveillance tapes to see if the shooting, which happened just before noon Monday in an alley between 12 and 13 Ave. near 11 St. S.W., was caught on tape.

“Our initial investigation indicates this was not random in nature,” Forsen said.

“The victim was known to be involved in trafficking drugs, it may be drug-related. … We are trying to find out what he was doing in the hours leading up to his death.”

Police said a dark-skinned man in his early- to mid-20s, wearing a hooded jacket, was seen running from the scene.

Cops would not elaborate on details regarding a possible suspect or suspects.

As officers canvassed the area, they were encouraged by co-operation from people willing to help — a noticeable departure from the lack of assistance in some recent unsolved homicide cases.

“Over a dozen people have come forward to provide information,” Forsen said, stressing the value of such evidence.

“No matter what advances are made in forensics, we still need co-operation from the community.”

Crime scene investigators are combing through the black Pontiac that Kuflom died in for clues in the killing, Forsen said.

He said there was nothing suspicious found on the victim, who was slumped inside the car, which travelled a short distance before pushing through a chain-link fence.

Witnesses said there were at least two gunshots fired in the busy area near a popular coffee shop and convenience store.

Kuflom moved to Canada from Eritrea in his 20s, and to Calgary several years ago.

At one time he was studying to be an aircraft mechanic at SAIT and leaves behind a common-law wife and relatives.

Police said they have no indications Kuflom was a gang member or associate.

His death marks the 23rd homicide of the year.

So far this year, 10 slayings have been solved and Forsen stressed the force works towards finding culprits to put before the justice system.

“Homicide is a priority,” he said.

“We are very dedicated to holding people accountable.”