©2024 Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT). All Rights Reserved.
March 7, 2012
Edmonton…The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) wrapped up a drug trafficking investigation after seizing more than 500 marihuana plants, valued at over $500,000 if sold on the street.
On March 6, ALERT’s Edmonton Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-Edmonton), an integrated team made up of Edmonton Police Service and RCMP members, uncovered a sophisticated marihuana grow operation after executing a search warrant at 16410 – 60A Street. CFSEU-Edmonton was assisted by the Edmonton Police Service.
Along with the plants, the team seized 13.5 pounds of processed marihuana packaged for distribution, approximately $35,000 in marihuana grow equipment, and a quarter-pound of a substance believed to be cannabis marihuana.
The ventilation was altered to support plant growth and odor-masking agents were present to hide the smell. Light-emitting diode (LED) lights were also used to reduce electrical consumption and moisture-laden heat, which is often generated by marihuana grow operations.
Alberta Health Services attended the residence and deemed it unfit for human habitation.
Najeeb MANAH, a 33-year-old Edmonton resident, is charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking, and one count each of production of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled drug.
“We often hear from neighbours who suspected a home in their area was a grow operation, but they didn’t feel certain enough to report it,” said CFSEU-Edmonton’s Sgt. Darren Feist. “Given the health and safety risks associated with these operations, ALERT wants to remind people how important it is to be on the lookout for warning signs and always report any suspicious activity.”
To report suspicious activity or a suspected marihuana grow operation in your community, contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). For information on how to spot a marihuana grow operation, visit www.alert-ab.ca
ALERT is an umbrella organization established by the Government of Alberta to bring together the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources to tackle serious and organized crime. Over 400 municipal police, RCMP and sheriffs work for ALERT.
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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Sgt. Darren Feist
CFSEU-Edmonton
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3074
Jill Baird
Communications
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3028
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.
