Drugs, cash, weapons worth $300M seized in superlab drug bust south of Calgary
Posted September 1, 2021 11:41 am.
Last Updated September 1, 2021 7:29 pm.
EDMONTON (CityNews) ─ The Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) says it seized drugs, weapons, cash and vehicles valued at more than $300 million following the dismantling of a drug “superlab” in a town south of Calgary last month.
The drug bust called “Project Essence” included the search of 13 homes and businesses in the Edmonton and Calgary areas and the raid of a superlab near Aldersyde, Alta., on July 7.
“Project Essence” began in February 2021.
In a release, ALERT says the drug bust “prevented possibly hundred of millions of fentanyl doses from hitting the streets.”
ALERT says it seized 13.6 kilograms of fentanyl, 11.9 kilograms of fentanyl precursors, 6.6 kilograms of opioids, 9.9 kilograms of methamphetamine and 7,600 kilograms of chemicals used in fentanyl production.
Eighteen guns, one rifle, $25,000 in cash and jewelry, six vehicles, four motorcycles, three trailers and a boat were also seized.
Several suspects have been identified and charges are pending.
ALERT estimates the Aldersyde superlab had the capacity to produce 10 kilograms of fentanyl every week.
Health Canada is currently conducting a laboratory analysis of the fentanyl and chemicals seized, according to the release.
Several Canadian law-enforcement and health agencies contributed to the investigation, including RCMP, Edmonton police, Calgary police and AHS.
