A joint RCMP operation focused on illegal trafficking in Maskwacis led to the seizure of 50,000 cigarettes, drugs and nearly $40,000 in cash this week.
Maskwacis General Investigation Section (GIS) uncovered the trafficking network in June 2021 and launched an operation aimed at shutting it down.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, RCMP from Maskwacis and Wetaskiwin and the Edmonton Police Service executed six search warrants on three residences in Ermineskin Cree Nation and Edmonton, a storage locker in Edmonton and two vehicles.
Police seized 50,000 illicit cigarettes worth $44,000, 7.6 kilograms of cannabis worth $75,000, 1,200 unidentified pills, one litre of cannabis resin and $38,000 in cash.
Two men were arrested and are facing charges.
“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 to them.” said Maskwacis RCMP Const. Guillaume Wilson, in a statement.“We will continue working on identifying and arresting persons engaged trafficking illegal substances on the four nations of Maskwacis.
“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.”
Maskwacis general duty, GIS and community policing RCMP officers and Wetaskiwin GIS and Crime Reduction Unit officers joined forces with officers from the RCMP Central Alberta District GIS and Edmonton Police Service in the joint operation.
A 32-year-old Edmonton has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of unstamped tobacco products for the purpose of selling, unlawfully selling unstamped tobacco and fraud over $5,000.
He was released on bail and is due in Edmonton Provincial Court on June 15.
A 35-year-old Edmonton has been charged with possession of cannabis for the purpose of distribution and possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling. was charged with the following Cannabis Act offences:
He was also released and is scheduled to appear in Edmonton court on June 10.