Four people have been arrested and drugs seized following a drug trafficking investigation.
In the fall of 2022, Grande Prairie RCMP Municipal Drug Section, with assistance from Edmonton ALERT, conducted a multi-month investigation into drug trafficking in the city of Grande Prairie. During the course of the investigation, three search warrants were executed in various parts of Grande Prairie.
During the searches, Grande Prairie RCMP Municipal Drug Section seized 87 cartons of illegal cigarettes, and what is believed to be:
- 1598 grams of cocaine
- 948 grams of fentanyl
- 3154 grams of methamphetamine
A 25-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton, has been charged with:
- Trafficking in a controlled substance x 3
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking x 3
- Possession of stolen property over $5000
Following a judicial hearing, the 25-year-old individual was released from custody to appear in Alberta Court of Justice Grande Prairie on July 26, 2023.
A 25-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton, has been charged with:
- Trafficking in a controlled substance x 3
Following a judicial hearing, the 25-year-old individual was released from custody to appear in Alberta Court of Justice Grande Prairie on July 24, 2023.
A 30-year-old individual, a resident of Edmonton, has been charged with
- Trafficking in a controlled substance x 5
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking x 3
- Possession of stolen property over $5000
Following a judicial hearing, the 30-year-old individual was released from custody to appear in Alberta Court of Justice Grande Prairie on August 2, 2023.
A 26-year-old individual, a resident of Calgary, has been charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking x 3
The 26-year-old individual was released on an undertaking to appear in Alberta Court of Justice Grande Prairie on July 24, 2023.
A 53-year-old individual, a resident of Grande Prairie, is currently wanted on warrants for Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking x 3.
"The Municipal Drug Unit makes enforcement of those supplying fentanyl to the city of Grande Prairie a priority," says Grande Prairie RCMP Municipal Drug Unit Sergeant Eldon Chillog.
It was apparent during this investigation that the individuals were utilizing short term rentals. Sergeant Eldon Chillog encourages all owners and cleaners of these properties to contact police if they come across unknown substances, including powders or pills left behind by tenants. Proper personal protection such as masks, gloves and safety glasses are to be used when cleaning the units if drugs are suspected on surfaces.
Members of the public who suspect drug activity in their community are encouraged to contact their local RCMP detachment. If you have information about this incident or any other illegal activity, please call the Grande Prairie RCMP at 780-830-5700 or call your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available.