LLOYDMINSTER - Over half a million dollars in drugs and cash have been seized following an interprovincial joint forces investigation that originated in Lloydminster.
The investigation began in May 2021 following an initial drug seizure in Lloydminster, as part of a joint endeavour from ALERT and Lloydminster RCMP General Investigation Section. From there, ALERT launched Project Deception and sought to work up the drug supply line and uproot the Edmonton and Kelowna-based suppliers.
“Drug trafficking doesn’t occur in isolation. It is deep-rooted and presents a multitude of threats that ultimately impact many communities,” said Supt. Marc Cochlin, ALERT Chief Executive Officer
“The tenacity exhibited by our Lloydminster team showcases the success of ALERT’s integrated model and the benefits of policing partnerships across borders to disrupt complex criminal networks.”
A number of suspects have been arrested in the inter-provincial investigation but police haven’t released any names yet.
Project Deception is an ongoing investigation led by ALERT Lloydminster’s RCMP organized crime and gang team in partnership with Lloydminster RCMP, British Columbia’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, and RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime.
Drug seizures were staggered over the course of the investigation and took place in Lloydminster, Edmonton, Springbrook, Alta., Kelowna, B.C. and Vernon, B.C. On June 1, 2022 multiple homes were also searched.
The drugs alone have an estimated street value of $571,000 and the totality of seized items included two handguns with ammunition, 3,600 grams of cocaine, 3,055 grams of suspected buffing agents, 1,223 grams of methamphetamine, 275 grams of suspected fentanyl, $101,888 in cash, $147,872 in restrained assets including jewelry.
Project Deception remains ongoing as investigators are preparing reports and disclosure for Crown Counsel. A number of suspects from both provinces have been identified.
Kelowna, RCMP FSOC, Edmonton Police Service, Kelowna RCMP, Vernon RCMP, and Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC).
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.
