A Wood Buffalo Drug Section investigation has resulted in the arrest of five suspected drug traffickers and the seizure of various drugs.
"We have stopped a significant amount of drugs from reaching the streets of Fort McMurray," says Inspector Eric Stebenne, Operations Officer, Wood Buffalo RCMP. "We will continue to disrupt criminals who take part in drug trafficking not only in our community, but in others as well. Collaboration with other RCMP Detachments and policing agencies across Alberta are key to the overall success of our crime reduction strategies."
On Feb. 28, 2019, a male suspect was arrested in Fort McMurray which resulted in the seizure of 525 grams of cocaine.
On Mar. 1, 2019, three search warrants were executed at residences located in Fort McMurray and Edmonton with the assistance from the Strathcona County RCMP Detachment and Edmonton Police Services.
During the execution of search warrants, the following items were seized:
- 7 kg of cocaine
- 734 g of cocaine (believed to be crack)
- 960 g of methamphetamine
- 20 g of fentanyl
- Two litres of GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate)
- Handgun with ammunition
- $30,000 cash
The Wood Buffalo RCMP investigation began in August 2018 in response to suspected drug trafficking in Fort McMurray.
Zamil Dion Hasad, (39) from Fort McMurray, was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and trafficking (cocaine). He was released and will be appearing in Fort McMurray Provincial Court on March 12, 2019.
Kaitlyn Biddiscombe (26), Brian Duc Trac Truong (38), Tony Tuan Tran (33) and Giang Thanh Nguyen (42) all from Edmonton, were jointly charged with the following Criminal Code offences:
- Production of Cocaine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking – cocaine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking – methamphetamine
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking - hydroxybutanoic acid (GHB)
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking – fentanyl
- Careless use of firearm
- Unsafe storage of firearm
- Careless use of ammunition
- Possession of a firearm
- Unauthorized possession of a firearm
- Possess proceeds of crime over $5000
Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can contact their RCMP Detachment or local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), report online at www.P3Tips.com or use the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.