Police arrested two parents and took two children to safety after have shutting down a crack lab operating in a Lancaster Green area home earlier this month.
More than $60,000 worth of drugs including 415 grams of powder cocaine; 82 grams crack cocaine; 76 grams of methamphetamine and 72 grams of marijuana were recovered after a search warrant was executed.
The arrests happened Nov. 4, but the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) just released the information on Thursday.
Police say the home’s kitchen area was being used to convert cocaine into crack.
Mike Tucker, ALERT spokesperson said the drugs were being made in the kitchen with other food around.
“Some cocaine was removed from a cereal box in the pantry,” said Tucker. “Obviously that is complete reckless disregard for children’s safety.”
To protect the children’s identities, the parents will not be named.
Tucker said that it is completely appalling that someone would put children in a position of harm.
He added anyone who is manufacturing crack in a kitchen of a home with children present is reckless and is endangering children. He said it is fortunate that Alberta has legislation – Drug Endangered Children Act – that help protect children in these situations. Central Region Child and Family Services is assisting the teams in caring for the children.
Crack is made by dissolving cocaine powder and boiling it in a solution.
Once cooled into a solid substance, it forms into small pieces often referred to as “rocks” or “spit balls” that are sold on the street for $50 to $80 depending on the market.
Tucker said a crack lab is not a public safety issue compared to a meth lab which has the potential for an explosion.
“Where the concern is the connection of violence that this demonstrates,” said Tucker, pointing to a firearm seized as another potential risk.
Other drugs and paraphernalia were found including a Winchester rifle and $40,000 in American and Canadian cash.
A Toyota Tundra truck and Honda sedan, believed to be used in the crimes, were also seized.
Tucker said this investigation is not likely related to the Red Scorpions investigation in July. However he said any incidents where you have illegal drugs can be linked back to organized crime.
Two people are facing several drug related and firearms charges.
ALERT 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.
crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com