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Edmonton… Half a million dollars’ worth of drugs was seized after ALERT searched multiple homes in Edmonton and Wainright, Atla. Three vehicles and more than $50,000 cash were also seized as offence related property.
ALERT Edmonton’s organized crime team charged two suspects on June 6, 2022, and earlier this year had executed search warrants at two homes in Edmonton, and one in Wainright, Alta.
The investigation began in November 2021 and came in relation to Grande Prairie-based drug trafficking network from a previous RCMP investigation.
“ALERT is always looking to expand the scope of investigations and move up the food chain. We rely on criminal intelligence from our partner agencies to collaboratively dismantle these types of multi-jurisdictional drug networks.”
Acting Inspector Blayne Eliuk, ALERT Edmonton
The drugs seized have an estimated street value in excess of $500,000 and includes:
The converter switches are a prohibited device used to transform Glock handguns into a prohibited firearm.
The vehicles and cash were seized as offence related property and will be considered for civil forfeiture. One of the vehicles was a 2021 Cadillac Escalade, worth an estimated $130,000.
John McKee, a 39-year-old man from Edmonton, is charged with drug trafficking, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, and possession of a prohibited device.
Nathan Newman, a 28-year-old man from Wainright, is charged with drug trafficking, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a prohibited device, careless use of a firearm, and tobacco distribution.
The work we do is about our communities, and that’s why we recognize that residents can be instrumental in tackling serious crime. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a crime, or you suspect criminal activity, please reach out. Your information will remain strictly confidential.
Thank you for helping to make Alberta safer by being actively involved and reporting suspicious activity.