Project Deception disrupts interprovincial drug network involving Springbrook

Project Deception is an ongoing investigation led by ALERT Lloydminster’s organized crime and gang team in partnership with Lloydminster RCMP, British Columbia’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC), and RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC).

Officials say drug seizures were staggered over the course of the investigation and took place in Lloydminster, Edmonton, Springbrook, and, in British Columbia, Kelowna and Vernon. On June 1, 2022, they confirm multiple homes were also searched.

“Working with our partners in ALERT is critical to both coordinated intelligence sharing and significantly amplifying enforcement efforts against those involved in organized crime. Law enforcement is well aware that those individuals and groups who engage in drug trafficking and violent criminal activities have no regard for provincial borders,” said Supt. Duncan Pound, CFSEU-BC Deputy Operations Officer.

ALERT estimates the drugs alone have a street value of $571,000 and the totality of seized items included:

Two handguns with ammunition;
3,600 grams of cocaine;
3,055 grams of suspected buffing agents;
1,223 grams of methamphetamine;
275 grams of suspected fentanyl;
$101,888 cash; and
$147,872 in restrained assets, including jewelry

Project Deception remains ongoing as, Mounties say, investigators are preparing reports and disclosure for Crown Counsel. Officials confirm a number of suspects from both provinces have been identified.

ALERT says Project Deception relied on the assistance of a number of police agencies and specialized units, including CFSEU-Kelowna, RCMP FSOC, Edmonton Police Service, Kelowna RCMP, Vernon RCMP, and Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada.

“As we continue our fight against money laundering and drug trafficking, collaboration between policing partners is critical, as organized crime knows no borders. By adding Integrated Money Laundering Investigative Team support to ALERT’s investigation, we were able to help disrupt the operations of this inter-provincial crime group,” said Supt. Brent Taylor of the BC RCMP FSOC Financial Integrity program.

Members of the public who suspect drug or gang activity in their community can call local police, or contact anonymously Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

ALERT was established and is funded by the Alberta Government and is a compilation of the province’s law enforcement resources committed to tackling serious and organized crime.

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Project Deception disrupts interprovincial drug network involving Springbrook

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