Eight people from Central Alberta are facing a combined 51 drug and weapon-related charges following a seven month police investigation.
Two search warrants were executed in Red Deer and Bentley on Dec. 17. Four people were arrested and charged with criminal charges relating to drugs, firearms, and possession of proceeds of crime at both locations.
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) say the Bentley residence was being used to package and press cocaine.
Inside the home additional quantities of heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, MDMA, methamphetamine, and marihuana were also seized. The estimated street value of the drugs is $60,000.
Six firearms were recovered including a loaded 9 mm handgun that was previously reported stolen, two 12-gauge shotguns, and three high-powered rifles. One of the rifles was a 50-caliber sniper-style rifle with ammunition.
A variety of gold, silver bars, and precious gems were seized and may be stolen. Two all-terrain vehicles and a skid steer located at the property are also suspected of being stolen.
More than $20,000 in cash was seized as proceeds of crime.
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.
Nearly 400 municipal police, RCMP, and sheriffs work in ALERT.