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March 13, 2013
Fort McMurray…Wood Buffalo’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-Wood Buffalo) seized approximately 2,500 packages of synthetic marihuana and $10,000 cash as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
With help from the Wood Buffalo RCMP, the team executed a search warrant at a local retailer where they found a product called “Spirit 4:20 Premium Herbal Incense” for sale. This product has been analyzed by an RCMP laboratory and was found to contain a banned substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
Synthetic marihuana is often found in head shops or convenience stores and is marketed as smokeable herbal incense, despite warnings on the packaging that the product is not intended for human consumption. Many are sold as a legal alternative to marihuana; however, they are often sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids, which are banned substances.
“The reality is that these products can contain hazardous chemicals,” said CFSEU-Wood Buffalo’s Sgt. Kirk Peyton. “And while users are seeking a marihuana-like high, the consumption of this product can be extremely dangerous.”
The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.
Recently, Health Canada warned consumers about the risks associated with “synthetic marihuana” products sold in Canada.
“Health Canada does not recommend consuming any of these products as they are rarely labeled with an accurate ingredient list and consuming them may lead to adverse health effects.”
Reported symptoms range from acute psychosis to seizures.
Made up of RCMP members, CFSEU-Wood Buffalo 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:
Sgt. Kirk Peyton
CFSEU-Wood Buffalo
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-370-2206
Jill Baird
Communications
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT)
780-509-3028
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