Edmonton police seize $8M worth of cocaine in multi-province drug investigation

Edmonton police say a nearly two-year joint investigation involving police agencies in Ontario and Winnipeg has led to the seizure of $37.2 million worth of illegal drugs across Canada and the arrest of 33 people.

According to the Edmonton Police Service, officers executed a search warrant on April 16 in the area of 109 Street and Jasper Avenue, where investigators seized approximately 80 kilograms of cocaine, 176 grams of methamphetamine, 50 pounds of buffing agent, a firearm, ammunition and about $30,000 in cash. Police estimated the street value of the cocaine at roughly $8 million.

A 21-year-old man was arrested in connection with the investigation. He faces five counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, along with charges related to unauthorized possession of a firearm and possession of proceeds of crime. The allegations have not been proven in court.

Police said investigators are no longer searching for additional suspects in the Edmonton portion of the case. The investigation involved coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies examining interprovincial drug trafficking activity.

The broader investigation began last spring when Parkland RCMP launched an investigation into suspected drug trafficking involving a woman from the Spruce Grove area. RCMP said the investigation later expanded into Calgary and Manitoba, resulting in the seizure of 53 kilograms of methamphetamine and five kilograms of fentanyl.

The case highlights ongoing enforcement efforts targeting organized drug trafficking networks operating across Western Canada. Court proceedings related to the charges are expected to continue in the coming months.