A Red Deer crime syndicate has taken a big hit.
Police have arrested and charged three alleged members of Bobby and the Kids, a group that deals mostly in the drug trade. One of them is believed to be “Bobby,” the leader of the group.
The organization has dealings throughout Central Alberta including Sylvan Lake, Blackfalds and Innisfail and has been operating for “some time,” say police.
The arrests are believed to be the first made involving the organization.
“We have definitely disrupted this group and eliminated the harm they are doing in the community,” said Red Deer RCMP Sgt. Eric McKenzie.
Police did not give any indication of the size of the group. Last Friday, the Priority Crimes Task Force seized 55 ounces of cocaine, nine ounces of methamphetamine, marijuana, a stolen pistol, drug paraphernalia and $30,600 in cash after executing search warrants at Timothy Drive and Leonard Crescent in Red Deer and Harvest Close in Penhold.
Three men between the ages of 22 and 27 were arrested without incident.
McKenzie said the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be coming against the three accused and more members of the group.
Police have known about the crime group but only realized the scale of its operations at the end of October. McKenzie said the group is not believed to be affiliated with other known crime organizations.
“They are here in Red Deer,” said McKenzie. “They are operating in Red Deer. The exact number in the group, we don’t know.”
Red Deer RCMP Supt. Scott Tod said part of the reason the task force was developed was to target criminal organizations operating in Central Alberta. He is pleased with the results.
“I think it is a significant hit in terms of reducing harm in our community,” said Tod.
“We have to generate a culture where it is not attractive for people to come in and fill the void because we have taken one group out.”
Randy Julius Larson, 25, of Red Deer, is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, one count of possession of a controlled substance, possession of stolen property under $5,000 and possession of stolen property over $5,000, careless use of a firearm, unauthorized possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm on which the serial number was removed, and two counts of failure to comply with a probation order.
Steven Michael Temple, 27, of Penhold, is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of stolen property over $5,000.
Dustin John Greuel, 22, of Red Deer, is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking and possession of stolen property under $5,000.
The accused appear in Red Deer provincial court today.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com