Edmonton police make historic $1.8M cocaine bust
Posted November 2, 2023 11:47 am.
Edmonton police say a recent arrest has led to the largest cocaine bust in the service’s history.
In September, EPS began an investigation into a 40-year-old man who was believed to be trafficking drugs.
After a month of investigating, officers conducted a traffic stop, where 40.5 kg of cocaine was found inside the car.
Officers seized the drugs and took the man into custody.
“This is the single biggest cocaine seizure in EPS’ history,” said Staff Sgt. Eric Stewart of the EPS Guns and Gang Section. “This will undoubtedly make a dent in this suspect’s illicit drug network as we work to stop those that are preying on our vulnerable community members.”
EPS say the approximate value of the cocaine is $1,800,000.
Police say the previous largest bust came back in 2013, and was only 28 kg of cocaine.
“The next step is the fear of where the origin of the cocaine will be used, working with our United States partners in law enforcement. And that’s the next step on this is just trying to figure out the origin of where the cocaine came from,” said Edmonton police Insp. Lance Parker.
Parker says the branding of the drug is insignificant, and EPS will be relying on international partners like the U.S. to determine where the drugs came from.
The 40-year-old has since been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking and is expected to be in court on Nov. 8.
Police say as of Sunday, their will be a second Gang Suppression Team (GST) operating throughout the city, which will allow EPS a complete seven-day coverage.
