By rdnewsNOW Staff

Alberta RCMP Roving Traffic Unit seizes over 50,000 doses of illicit drugs since start of 2021

Jun 17, 2021 | 4:21 PM

Tens of thousands of doses of illicit drugs have been removed from Alberta communities this year, thanks to the efforts of the Alberta RCMP Roving Traffic Unit (RTU).

Mounties say the unit works to combat travelling crime across the province, seizing illicit drugs and illegal contraband from Alberta’s roadways. As part of their mandate to traffic and public safety, the RTU is said to work diligently to identify and intercept criminals during traffic stops.

Since Jan. 2021, the RTU has made a total of 11 seizures, resulting in the removal over 50,000 doses of illicit drugs from Alberta communities.

The Alberta RCMP RTU is a specialized team tasked with carrying out traffic safety as well as detecting and disrupting potential criminal activity. In addition to removing various illegal substances off Alberta’s roads, the unit also seized over $148,900 of contraband including $32,645 in CDN currency, $115,767 in diamonds and jewellery, as well as six handguns.

Recent significant seizures:

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• Banff, AB – On March 6, 2021, the RTU initiated a vehicle stop with an Alberta-plated SUV. A second vehicle ahead of the SUV stopped on its own accord, as they were travelling together. During the stop, signs indicated that the second vehicle was stolen. At this time, the SUV suddenly fled while the second vehicle remained on scene. Canmore RCMP later located the SUV. Two loaded pistols, approximately $15,000 in CDN currency, an assault rifle suppressor, cellphones, as well as 26 diamond rings and seven diamonds related to a recent robbery were located in the vehicle. A search of the second vehicle led to the seizure of four additional pistols and 1 kg of fentanyl — approximately 10,000 doses.
• Banff, AB – On April 17, 2021, RTU members pulled over an Alberta-plated pickup truck. Mounties say the investigator formed grounds to believe that the lone occupant was in possession of cannabis for the purpose of distribution. The driver was arrested and a search of the vehicle located 143 cannabis plants.
• Canmore, AB – On April 19, 2021, the RTU conducted a traffic stop with a BC-plated car. During investigations, police say there were grounds to believe the two occupants were in possession of a controlled substance. Both occupants were arrested. A search of the vehicle located approximately 750 g of methamphetamine, 500 g of cocaine, and 100 g of suspected fentanyl.

“The Alberta RCMP RTU enforces public safety by strategically focussing on travelling crime across our provincial roadways,” explains Supt. Gary Graham, RCMP Traffic Services, in a press release. “In disrupting organized crime and removing illegal contraband from our streets, the RTU is actively working to better Alberta’s communities.”