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Fort McMurray… A joint forces operation between ALERT and Wood Buffalo RCMP has made more arrests, as part of a coordinated effort to combat violence associated with the Fort McMurray drug trade.
On October 23 ALERT’s Fort McMurray team seized half a kilogram of cocaine, a loaded handgun, and nearly $10,000 cash from a home in the Woodland neighbourhood. The handgun was equipped with a prohibited magazine and had its serial number removed. Three Toronto men were arrested.
The arrests are the latest enforcement action taken and aimed at curbing the recent spate of violence associated to the Fort McMurray drug trade. In the past two months ALERT and Wood Buffalo RCMP have arrested 17 suspected drug dealers, executed five search warrants, recovered two guns, seized nearly $50,000 in cash proceeds of crime, and have seized thousands of doses of harmful drugs.
“I can tell you that the RCMP takes very seriously its commitment to maintain safe homes and safe communities. It’s where we live; where we work; where we call home and we all must feel safe,” said Wood Buffalo RCMP detachment Commander, Supt. Rob McCloy. “In working with ALERT, we have been successful in bringing pressure to bear upon those involved in drug trafficking and suppress drug-related violence within our community.”
The men arrested at the Woodland home are part of a group suspected of being heavily involved in street-level drug trafficking. The men are facing various drugs and firearms offences and have extensive histories with police. One of the accused, Magan Omar, has an outstanding criminal organization charge stemming from a Toronto Police investigation.
The handgun seized will be submitted for forensic analysis and ballistics testing to determine if it was used in any other crimes.
A follow-up related investigation, carried out on October 29, resulted in the seizure of a small amount of cocaine and cash proceeds of crime. Three Fort McMurray residents were charged with numerous drug-related offences:
Anyone with information concerning drug or gang activity in Fort McMurray is encouraged to contact the dedicated tipline at 780-788-GANG.
ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s most sophisticated law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime. Members of Alberta Sheriffs, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Regional Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, and RCMP work in ALERT
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.
