ALERT is leading Alberta’s response to fentanyl trafficking
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) is at the forefront of Alberta’s commitment to disrupting organized crime.
Jonathan Loyie was sentenced to 16 years in prison on Tuesday, January 29 for his role in Project Essence, Alberta’s largest-ever fentanyl superlab case. Project Essence resulted in the seizure of over $300 million in illicit drugs, precursors, chemicals and equipment – the sentencing judge describing fentanyl traffickers as “merchants of death.”
Since 2006, ALERT’s integrated policing model has resulted in the seizure of over $989 million in illicit drugs, including:
- Approximately 95 kilograms of processed fentanyl powder(s) intended for sale
- More than 276,000 fentanyl pills
- 10,000+ kilograms of fentanyl precursors, chemicals, and buffing agents used in fentanyl production
Some of these seizures were the result of ALERT’s initiatives in identifying and dismantling six fentanyl labs and/or pill press operations in the province. ALERT is funded by the Province of Alberta and is leading in the disruption of the fentanyl trade. Our integrated teams continue to tackle serious and organized crime by bringing together multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Alberta Sheriffs, and each of Alberta’s municipal police services.
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.
