Project Flip disrupts Fort McMurray drug network

Fort McMurray… A lengthy ALERT investigation has led to five suspects being charged for their alleged role in a Fort McMurray and Edmonton drug trafficking network.

Project Flip began in the fall 2021 and resulted in the seizure of nearly a quarter million dollars worth of drugs and cash. ALERT Fort McMurray’s organized crime team seized 2,300 grams of cocaine, 792 grams of suspected buffing agents, and almost $30,000 in cash.

Smaller quantities of methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine, and illicit Xanax were also seized during the course of the investigation.

“Project Flip is a great example of an investigation being worked on from the ground up. We were able to work with the Wood Buffalo RCMP detachment to target street-level dealers, and from there built a successful investigation that toppled the network and supply,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Wait, ALERT Fort McMurray.

Project Flip was launched in the aftermath of a Wood Buffalo RCMP investigation into street-level drug sales that dates back to November 2021. From that investigation, ALERT was able to develop criminal intelligence about suppliers and the larger drug trafficking network impacting the region.

“The strong ongoing partnership with ALERT and Wood Buffalo Detachment is essential in order to keep our communities safe. Our joint response to crimes related to illicit drugs are a priority for the RCMP in Wood Buffalo as the community has identified drug trafficking as a priority for the police,” said Chief Supt. Mark Hancock, Wood Buffalo RCMP.

Search warrants were conducted in Fort McMurray and Kelowna, B.C. with a total of three homes being searched.

Arrests took place between December 12 and 15, 2023 with a total of 14 criminal charges laid against five suspects, who ALERT alleges were key figures in the area’s drug trafficking activities.

The following people have been charged in Project Flip:

• Braeden Kreutzer, 25 years old from Kelowna, is charged with conspiracy to traffic drugs and drug trafficking;
• Theresa Lemky, 25 years old from Edmonton, is charged conspiracy to traffic drugs and drug trafficking;
• Adam Osman, 27 years old from Fort McMurray, is charged with conspiracy to traffic drugs, drug trafficking, and possession of proceeds of crime;
• Martin Spiegelberg, 53 years old from Lethbridge is charged with conspiracy to traffic drugs and drug trafficking;
• Joshua Siojo, 26 years old from Edmonton, is charged with conspiracy to traffic drugs, drug trafficking, and possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking.

All of the suspects have since been released from custody to await court appearances.

Project Flip relied on the assistance of a number of partner agencies including Wood Buffalo RCMP, St. Albert RCMP, Edmonton Police Service, CFSEU-B.C. (Kelowna), Lethbridge Police Service.

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.