(RCMP)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

a year of investigation

Edmonton men charged after police stop drug trafficking network into Maskwacis

May 20, 2022 | 3:53 PM

Two Edmonton men in their thirties have been charged after RCMP recovered illicit cigarettes and cannabis from six search warrants recently executed in Maskwacis.

Investigation began in June 2021 when members at Maskwacis detachment became aware of potential illegal trafficking of substances into the four communities which comprise Maskwacis.

On May 17 and 18, 2022, members executed said search warrants in a joint operation with several departments, plus Wetaskiwin RCMP, Central Alberta District RCMP and Edmonton Police Service.

The warrants were executed at one home on Ermineskin Cree Nation along with two homes and a storage locker in Edmonton, and then two vehicles believed associated with the illegal trafficking network, police say.

As a result, the following items were seized.

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· 50,000 Illicit cigarettes, valued at $44,000

· 17lbs of illegal Cannabis, with a street value of $75,000

· 1200 unidentified pills

· 1 liter of Cannabis resin

· $38,000 in cash proceeds

The seizure is valued at $160,000., and the investigation is ongoing, with more charges pending.

“This was a significant seizure of illegal substances, and without the help of our RCMP partners and the Edmonton Police Service, this wouldn’t have been possible; a big thank you them.” says Cst. Guillaume Wilson of the Maskwacis RCMP.

“We will continue working on identifying and arresting persons engaged trafficking illegal substances. We encourage the residents in our community to report any illegal activity to police and assist us in disrupting criminal groups by calling the detachment, speaking to an officer, or providing tips through crime stoppers.”

Between them, the two men are facing charges related to property obtained by crime, unstamped tobacco, fraud, and unauthorized possession of a weapon.