Alberta
ALERT makes a co-ordinated ‘million dollar bust’ in Calgary and Medicine Hat
From the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team
ALERT Seizes Drugs, Firearms in Calgary Raid
More than half a million dollars’ worth of drugs and cash was seized as the result of a coordinated investigation involving ALERT organized crime teams in Calgary and Medicine Hat.
ALERT seized methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and other substances, alongside four firearms, after two Calgary homes were searched on January 23, 2020. One person was arrested, who ALERT alleges was involved in drug trafficking in the Calgary area.
“We believe this individual may have also been involved in supplying drugs to surrounding communities,” said Insp. Shawn Wallace, ALERT Calgary. “This is a great example of how our ALERT teams share intelligence and provide coverage across the entire province to stamp out complex organized crime threats.”
Calgary Police Service helped with the search warrant executions at residences in the neighbourhoods of Panorama Hills and Queensland.
The drugs that were seized included:
- 2,340 grams of methamphetamine;
- 903 grams of fentanyl;
- 212 grams of cocaine;
- 912 grams of a cocaine buffing agent;
- 6,103 grams of cannabis;
- 304 cartons of contraband tobacco cigarettes; and
- $90,425 cash.
Four firearms were also seized, including two shotguns and two pistols. The firearms will be subject to further forensic analysis.
To Sang Wong, a 56-year-old man from Calgary, has been charged with a number of criminal offences, including:
- drug trafficking (x4);
- possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking (x3);
- possession of illegal tobacco for sale;
- fraud;
- possession of proceeds of crime;
- unsafe storage of a firearm;
- unauthorized possession of a firearm; and
- possession of a weapon obtained by crime.
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.
A burnt metal sign hangs from a tree, damaged by recent wildfires, in Drayton Valley Alta., on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. As more wildfire evacuees are being allowed to return home in Alberta, provincial officials warn that warm, dry conditions are returning this weekend in some areas.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
As more wildfire evacuees are being allowed to return home in Alberta, provincial officials warn that warm, dry conditions are returning this weekend in some areas.
Melissa Story with Alberta Wildfire says the elevated fire conditions were anticipated and that crews on the ground are seeing more intense fire activity on the perimeters of wildfires.
But she says most fires haven’t grown substantially and she doesn’t believe any have jumped their containment lines.
The number of evacuees as of Saturday afternoon stood at 5,257, down from over 7,200 on Wednesday, following cooler and wetter conditions in the last week.
Nearly 50 wildfires in Alberta’s forest protection area are burning, with 14 of those listed as out-of-control.
Cyndee Evans, executive director of the Alberta Emergency Management Agency, says the situation remains serious despite recent positive news.
“While we can take heart that more Albertans are starting to return home, we cannot afford to drop our guard. Now is not the time for complacency. Please continue to do your part and help prevent the spread of wildfires and further damage from occurring,” Evans told a news conference Saturday.
Story noted that showers were forecast for some parts of Alberta later Saturday, reducing fire danger, but also cautioned they bring the risk of lightning.
Federal Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair said in a tweet Saturday that an extension for the deployment of Canadian Armed Forces personnel to assist in firefighting efforts has been approved.
Story said firefighters from New Zealand were welcomed to the province Friday and that nearly 200 firefighters and support staff from Australia would be arriving this weekend.
Alberta remains under a provincewide state of emergency, although some bans on fires, ATVs and off-highway vehicles have been relaxed in recent days.
Parkland County west of Edmonton lifted a state of local emergency on Friday that had been in place since April 29, and downgraded a fire ban to a fire restriction. It said that meant “safe fires in approved fire pits with a screen are allowed and do not require a permit.”
Fires without screens still required permits, however, and open fires in the county are still banned.
The High Level Forest Area wildfire update noted the Pasqua fire located in the community of Fox Lake saw an increase in fire activity after warm and dry weather on Friday, and that temperatures and fire behaviour was expected to pick up on Saturday.
Fox Lake remains evacuated, but residents are being permitted to sign up for tours of the community on Monday to view damage. A statement from the Little Red River Cree Nation said priority will be given to people who have lost their homes.
“Tours will be visual only, as it is still not safe for members to walk around the community or house sites due to hot spots as well as possible toxins and hazards in the areas that have been burned,” said a statement posted online by the First Nation on Friday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2023.
United Conservative Party leader Danielle Smith, centre, makes an election campaign announcement in Calgary, Alta., Friday, May 26, 2023. Albertans go to the polls on May 29. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh
Calgary
United Conservative leader Danielle Smith says she would aim to lower the level of political polarization in Alberta if her party wins what has been a tight and often bitter election race.
She made her remarks during her last news conference before Albertans go to the polls on Monday.
Smith says she would consult broadly and make decisions based on what she’s heard.
She adds her door is always open to people from all backgrounds and all political persuasions, and she would learn by exchanging ideas.
The UCP leader also says she was delighted to garner endorsements from former prime minister Stephen Harper and federal Conservative Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre.
The rival New Democrats have been endorsed by high-profile former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 26, 2023.
Succession Planning: Justin’s Excellent Chinese Adventure
Justice Neil Gorsuch Speaks Out Against Lockdowns and Mandates
National police force grapples with calls for change, shifting role as it turns 150
FBI broke rules in scouring foreign intelligence on Jan. 6 riot, racial justice protests, court says
Thoughts on the emergence of Pierre Poilievre from political writer Paul Wells
Comparing Risks: The Right and Wrong Way
As inquiry decision looms, here’s how Canada’s foreign interference saga has evolved
-
Bruce Dowbiggin21 hours ago
Succession Planning: Justin’s Excellent Chinese Adventure
-
Alberta2 days agoRed Deer Hospital Lottery announces $25,000 winner of the Early Bird Draw
-
Alberta2 days agoCompetition Bureau recommends changing THC limits for edibles, easing pot packaging
-
Business2 days agoWestJet pilots deal grants 24% pay raise over four years
-
Business2 days agoFeds warned about risks of delaying 24 Sussex decision almost a year before it closed
-
Top Story CP2 days agoCéline Dion cancels ‘Courage’ world tour dates citing medical condition
-
Environment2 days agoAbout half of Canada’s environment ministers skip meeting on biodiversity loss
-
Addictions2 days agoAfter yearslong delay, DEA revokes license of wholesale drug distributor over opioid crisis failures