5 suspects charged in record-setting $3 million Edmonton drug bust
After a year-long investigation, five suspects have been charged in what police say is the largest cocaine seizure in Edmonton.
In a Wednesday news release, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) said the charges are connected to the April 2024 seizure of more than 27 kilograms of cocaine and other drugs, with an estimated street-level value of $3 million.
The drugs were found during a search of a home in the west Edmonton neighbourhood of Lewis Estates.
Along with the 27 kilograms of cocaine, ALERT said it also found five kilograms of MDMA — a recreational drug also known as ecstasy or molly — along with almost four kilograms of a suspected cocaine buffing agent and $19,000 in cash.
Initially, one person was arrested but no charges were laid.
Following a full investigation, five individuals were charged on April 21 with offences including participation in the activities of a criminal organization, conspiracy to traffic drugs, drug trafficking and money laundering, ALERT said in the statement.
"Following last year's drug seizure, our investigative team was able to conduct a thorough investigation and identify the suspects responsible," said Insp. Angela Kemp with ALERT Edmonton.
"We now have significant charges put before the courts in the hopes of holding this organized crime group accountable."
ALERT alleges that the suspects are part of an organized crime group that has been involved in drug trafficking in the Edmonton region, as well as Grande Prairie, Alta., and in Saskatchewan.
The suspects are scheduled to appear in court on May 22.
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