$3.3 million of cannabis seized by EPS in drug bust
Posted August 19, 2022 4:55 pm.
Last Updated August 19, 2022 7:15 pm.
Roughly $3.3 million in illegal cannabis has been seized by Edmonton Police Service (EPS) following a five-month investigation.
In March, the Edmonton Drug and Gang Enforcement Unit (EDGE) began an investigation into an online retailer operating in the city.
As a result, EPS issued multiple search warrants in July for multiple houses in Edmonton, and a warehouse in Onoway, Alta.
During the searches, EPS uncovered and seized:
- 2,589 cannabis plants – worth roughly $2,600,000;
- 134.2 kg of dried cannabis flower – worth roughly $779,000;
- 947 grams of psilocybin – worth roughly $12,000;
- 636 grams of cannabis concentrate products – worth roughly $14,000;
- $15,500 in Canadian cash;
- Cannabis cultivation equipment, including specialized lighting equipment valued at approximately $177,000;
- A 2022 Tesla Model 3;
- A 2020 Tesla Model 3;
- And a 2016 Dodge Ram.
“The funds derived from the illegal production and sale of cannabis results in the proceeds generated being injected into the legitimate economy,” said Const. Dan Melnyk with EDGE. “This can, unfortunately, undermine the integrity of the financial system.”
“Also, the illegal production and sale of cannabis causes the regulated cannabis production sites and licensed cannabis retailers to incur a significant loss of revenue. Overall, these activities jeopardize the legitimate industry’s existence,” Melnyk said.
EPS did not say whether or not an investigation is still ongoing.
