Alberta
Police take half million dollars worth of meth, cocaine, cannabis, fentanyl off the street in multiple-community bust
News release from the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT)
ALERT drug bust spanned multiple communities
Half a million dollars’ worth of drugs was seized after ALERT searched multiple homes in Edmonton and Wainright, Atla. Three vehicles and more than $50,000 cash were also seized as offence related property.
ALERT Edmonton’s organized crime team charged two suspects on June 6, 2022, and earlier this year had executed search warrants at two homes in Edmonton, and one in Wainright, Alta.
The investigation began in November 2021 and came in relation to Grande Prairie-based drug trafficking network from a previous RCMP investigation.
“ALERT is always looking to expand the scope of investigations and move up the food chain. We rely on criminal intelligence from our partner agencies to collaboratively dismantle these types of multi-jurisdictional drug networks,” said Acting Inspector Blayne Eliuk, ALERT Edmonton.
The drugs seized have an estimated street value in excess of $500,000 and includes:
- One shotgun;
- 10 handgun converter switches;
- 1,011 grams of methamphetamine;
- 3,882 grams of cocaine;
- 14,730 grams of a cocaine buffing agent;
- 2,022 grams of cannabis;
- 51 grams of fentanyl;
- 28 cases of contraband tobacco products;
- Thee vehicles;
- $55,032 cash.
The converter switches are a prohibited device used to transform Glock handguns into a prohibited firearm.
The vehicles and cash were seized as offence related property and will be considered for civil forfeiture. One of the vehicles was a 2021 Cadillac Escalade, worth an estimated $130,000.
John McKee, a 39-year-old man from Edmonton, is charged with drug trafficking, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, and possession of a prohibited device.
Nathan Newman, a 28-year-old man from Wainright, is charged with drug trafficking, possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, possession of a prohibited device, careless use of a firearm, and tobacco distribution.
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.
Alberta
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Alberta
Protecting the right to vote for Canadian citizens: Minister McIver
Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver issued the following statement in response to Calgary City Council’s vote to extend the right to vote to permanent residents:
“Yesterday, Calgary city council passed a motion advocating for permanent residents to be extended the right to vote in civic elections. Alberta’s government has been clear since the beginning: only Canadian citizens are able to vote in civic elections. That will not be changing.
“The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms affirms the right of every Canadian citizen to vote and to run as a candidate. This right extends to voters in municipal, provincial and federal elections.
“Protecting our democracy is of the utmost importance. Our provincial election legislation, like the Local Authorities Elections Act, has also been clear since its inception that voting is a right of Canadian citizens.
“Alberta’s government is also ensuring that voting is accessible for more Albertans. The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act proposes to enable special ballot access for any voter who requests it, without having to provide any specific reason such as physical disability, absence from the municipality or working for the municipal election. The ministries of Seniors, Community and Social Services and Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction are also making it easier for individuals to obtain the identification Albertans need for a variety of services, including the ability to cast a ballot.
“Our government will continue to protect the integrity of our elections and make sure voting is accessible for all Albertans who are Canadian citizens.”
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