ALERT wraps up investigation with significant drug seizures, three arrests

July 12, 2012

Edmonton…The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) concluded a drug trafficking investigation in the Edmonton area with the seizure of over $1 million in methamphetamine and cocaine, and charges against three men.

On July 8, Edmonton’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-Edmonton), an integrated team made up of Edmonton Police Service and RCMP members, executed two search warrants in Edmonton and one in Strathcona County. The Beaumont and Strathcona RCMP Detachments and the Edmonton Police Service Tactical Unit provided assistance during various stages of this investigation.

In total, CFSEU-Edmonton seized 7.5 kilograms of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $750,000, and 3.5 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated street value of $ 352,000. Police also found 1,000 tablets of Oxycodone, valued at $80,000 if sold on the street, as well as drug trafficking paraphernalia that included a hydraulic press. The presence of a hydraulic press signals the trafficking operation’s high level of sophistication.

“Drug trafficking is a real threat to community safety across Alberta,” said CFSEU-Edmonton’s Inspector Dave Elanik. “While we are pleased with the outcome of this investigation, we know there is more work to be done and will continue to target people who engage in this kind of organized crime.”

As a result of this investigation, the following Edmonton residents are charged:

• Timothy LEE, age 35, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. At the time of his arrest, the accused was on statutory release.
• Gavin ANNETT, age 32, is charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. He was also found in breach of his current conditions and charged accordingly.
• Randy WRIGHT, age 44, is charged with three counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

If you have information about a crime or spot suspicious activity in your community, contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).

CFSEU-Edmonton is an ALERT team established and funded 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:
Inspector Dave Elanik
CFSEU-Edmonton
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3019

Jill Baird
Communications
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3028