RCMP bomb disposal experts had to be called in after a drug bust at a rural property near Markerville turned up some unusual explosives.
Police said besides stolen vehicles, drugs and firearms, “rail torpedoes” were found on Wednesday at the property about six km north of Markerville. Rail torpedoes are a small explosive charge that can be fastened to rails and act as a warning for trains to stop by exploding with a loud bang.
Officers with the RCMP’s Edmonton-based Explosives Disposal Unit removed the small charges without incident.
More than 100 officers from various RCMP units and detachments were involved in the operation that saw numerous people arrested at Markerville and at a residence in Lloydminster.
A number of firearms were seized, along with methamphetamines, cocaine, steroids and GHB (known as the date rape drug). Vehicles were seized, including a Mercedes, dirt bike and trailer.
Three men and a woman were arrested in the Markerville operation and two men and a woman were taken into custody in Lloydminster.
Names and charges have not yet been released.
In Lloydminster, a sawed-off shotgun, electronics devices and methamphetamine were recovered by police. A residence in Kitscoty, west of Lloydminster, was also raided but nothing was found.
The months-long investigation was headed by the Priority Crimes Task Force and included RCMP from Blackfalds, Red Deer, Innisfail and Sylvan Lake detachments. The Alberta Emergency Response Team, Special Tactical Operations Team, and Police Dog Services were also involved.
Police say more information is expected to be released soon and the investigation continues.