Mounties seize nearly $1M in meth, cocaine during traffic stop east of Edmonton

Police say a British Columbia man is facing drug trafficking charges after 12 kilograms of drugs were allegedly seized during a traffic stop east of Edmonton earlier this month.

During an operation near Vermillion on May 4, an Alberta RCMP roving traffic unit allegedly seized 10 kilos of methamphetamine and 2 kilos of cocaine – an approximate street value of $920,000 – while searching a vehicle after a traffic stop.

Police say officers pulled over the vehicle to verify operator licensing status and vehicle registration.

“During the course of the traffic stop, members came to suspect possible narcotics involvement so they began their investigation and searched the vehicle,” Mounties said in a news release.

Darcy Chernowsky, 33, of Roberts Creek, B.C., was charged with two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking. He is scheduled to appear in court July 7.

Two days later, a roving traffic unit in the Vermillion area allegedly made another significant seizure during a traffic stop: 90,000 cigarettes valued at approximately $44,000.

Kimberly Butterfield, 53, of Alberta Beach is facing multiple charges, including possession of unstamped tobacco for the purpose of trafficking and fraud. The accused is scheduled to appear in court July 7.

“RTU teams target areas that are transportation routes, where there is a likelihood of intercepting those who are trafficking in illegal goods, while still providing enhanced traffic enforcement in the area,” said Staff Sgt. Darrell Dickinson, a traffic service coordinator for Alberta RCMP Traffic.

“The success of these specialized units highlights their importance as well as their efficiency in targeting travelling criminals and reducing illicit drugs from reaching the streets.”

None of the allegations have been proven in court.