Major Drug Seizure in Grande Prairie

Grande Prairie… An ALERT investigation in Grande Prairie has resulted in a significant seizure of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. Nearly a quarter million dollars’ worth of drugs were taken off the street, making this one of the city’s largest drug seizures ever.

ALERT Grande Prairie’s organized crime and gang team made the seizure on Friday, Sept. 1, with the assistance of Grande Prairie RCMP. Four homes were searched with the following items being seized:

• 1.3 kilograms of powder and crack cocaine;
• 573 grams of methamphetamine;
• 1,476 fentanyl pills;
• approximately 20 grams of marijuana;
• a Mercedes-Benz SUV; and
• nearly $2,000 in cash proceeds of crime.

All told, the drugs have a street value of almost $250,000. The majority of the drugs were seized from a residence in the Riverstone neighbourhood.

This is the largest ALERT drug seizure in Grande Prairie since October 2014, when 1.8 kilograms of cocaine and more than 1,800 fentanyl pills were seized during an investigation.

“Taking a quantity of drugs such as this off the streets of Grande Prairie is a real feather in ALERT’s cap,” says Insp. Dave Dubnyk, officer in charge of regional teams with ALERT. “With the help of our partners in the RCMP, we’re doing everything we can to make Grande Prairie a safer place for families to live.”

“‎This operation highlights the value of ALERT and the importance of a coordinated policing response to illicit drug activity across the province,” adds Grande Prairie RCMP Supt. Don McKenna.

The cash and vehicle will be referred to the province’s civil forfeiture office.

Two men – Khristopher Ali, 29, and Robert Kinnon, 59 – have each been charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. Additionally, Ali has been charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of proceeds of crime.

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. Members of the Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Lethbridge Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service and RCMP work in ALERT.

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Notice to media: High-resolution photos of goods seized are available for download: Photo 1 | Photo 2