Six people are facing numerous charges after members of the ALERT Grande Prairie organized crime team seized over a quarter of a million dollars in cash and drugs following a nearly two year investigation.
Officials say the group under investigation was believed to be involved in drug trafficking in the Grande Prairie region and into British Columbia. On March 13th, a 42-year-old from Wembley, believed to be the leader, has been charged with instructing the commission of an offence from a criminal organization and conspiracy to traffic drugs, amongst other offences.
“[The accused] was allegedly the head of a criminal organization that was deeply rooted in Grande Prairie and beyond. Drug trafficking, linked to his group, would have caused considerable community harm,” said Insp. Brad Lundeen, ALERT.
Included in the seized items, include 2,220 grams of cocaine, more than 1,000 opioid pills, a loaded handgun which had previously been reported stolen, as well as various amounts of illegal steroids.
Five others, including three from Grande Prairie, a second person from Wembley, and a resident of Sexsmith, are facing a total of 22 charges in connection to the investigation.
