Large amount of cash and assets seized in Edmonton drug bust

2023| Edmonton

Edmonton… More than $200,000 in cash, vehicles, and jewelry was seized as the result of a six-month drug trafficking investigation. ALERT also seized cocaine, fentanyl, and three firearms after searching six Edmonton homes.

ALERT Edmonton’s organized crime team began their investigation in September 2022. Multiple suspects and various homes and apartment units across the city were identified and searched.

“Our investigation grew quickly as police discovered just how sophisticated this operation was. This drug trafficking group was selling large quantities of cocaine and had a significant cash flow,” said Staff Sgt. Rich Dejong, ALERT Edmonton.

On February 21, 2023 six search warrants were executed on addresses across Edmonton with assistance from the Edmonton Police Service and RCMP.

ALERT seized approximately $450, 000 worth of drugs, including:

3 kgs of cocaine;
1 kgs of fentanyl;
2,543 fentanyl pills;
190 grams of ketamine;
809 unknown pills;
6 kgs of psilocybin mushrooms; and
12 grams of methamphetamine.

As part of the investigation, police also seized numerous assets including;

$216,000 cash;
Three firearms;
Three vehicles; and
Assorted luxury watches.

“When police seize proceeds of crime, specific entities like cash and vehicles, we help to break the cycle that is organized crime. It’s important that we include these items under civil forfeiture so they cannot continue to be used to commit any other crimes,” Dejong added.

The investigation remains ongoing as investigators prepare reports and disclosure for Crown Counsel.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers is always anonymous.

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.